Parents in Ireland are set to spend more on toys for their children than those in any other nation in Europe, a new survey has found.

Research by eBay Ireland revealed mums and dads will shell out an average of €278 on presents for their offspring, the Irish Independent reports.

This is twice as much as those in Germany - who will only spend €143 - and suggests confidence is on the rise again after gift spending plummeted in recent years due to the recession.

In 2008, parents spent a total of €446 million on games and toys at specialist stores, but this dropped to €343 million a year later and €341 million in 2010.

Gareth Staunton, owner of Dublin toystore Nimble Fingers, was quoted by the Independent as saying although kids may not get everything they ask for anymore, parents are still making the effort to secure their children's top choices.

He added board games have proved popular so far this year, while traditional toys such as jigsaws have also been strong sellers.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments