Despite being eight weeks away, the festive season is already on everyone’s minds. Christmas displays are already starting to go up in shops and we’re already making plans for the Christmas holidays.
New research from GAME reveals that the October half term is officially the busiest week for writing Christmas wish lists, with almost half (49%) of UK children starting theirs this week, many of them using iPads and tablets to write their lists rather than the more traditional pen and paper.
With over three million lists likely to be drafted, parents are gearing up for a flurry of requests including many that even Santa would struggle to fulfil.
As part of the study, parents were asked to reveal some of the weird and wonderful items that made it onto their child’s Christmas lists. Here are the Top 10 most obscure items:
- A real dragon egg
- Pet unicorn
- iPhone 7
- Glasses for a cat
- That daddy’s job will be ok
- A live walrus
- Taylor Swift
- Flight to the moon
- Ferrari
- The power of invisibility
I’m sure my kids would quite like the power of invisibility too! But since that’s not on the cards, we’ll have to check out GAME’s new Xmas List app which will allow kids and adults to keep track of all their must-have gifts in one handy place, easily accessible for them and their family and friends.
So whether it’s the latest FIFA 16, or any one of the many characters available from the Toys to life market, Xmas List will be able to store them all over the festive period and avoid any present mishaps.
One in five parents (20%) admit to buying the wrong gifts for their child and over two-thirds (65%) have subsequently faced tantrums, tears and even slammed doors on Christmas Day. Parents too, it seems, have also not forgotten the pain of opening a gift they didn’t want, with over three million (17%) owning up to still writing a Christmas list today to ensure they get what they desire the most.
GAME will also be introducing a new character – Gamer Claus – to help out with any gaming related queries and make sure that present mistakes are avoided.
Fred Prego, Marketing Director at GAME, says:
“Choosing what to get your kids at Christmas can be a bit of a minefield. As the research shows, most kids will be making note of the things that they want this half term and a lot of lists are going to be written. While we don’t stock any dragon eggs or unicorns, our Xmas List will give children the opportunity to start highlighting all the great games and accessories that they really want to be opening on Christmas Day, making it far easier for parents when it comes to buying presents.
“And, if you’re confused about a certain gaming related item that’s on your child’s wish list, our new Christmas character, Gamer Claus, is on hand to help everyone get the most from GAME Season. Keep an eye out for him over the festive period.”
GAME have also supplied this handy infographic to help you out with any gaming terminology you might need help to decipher.
![Game xmas list - gaming terminology[1]](https://i0.wp.com/intheplayroom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Game-xmas-list-gaming-terminology1.jpg?ssl=1)
Study data is from a One Poll study of a representative sample of 1,500 UK parents of 5-18 year olds October 2015
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
Ha – I just love the wish list! Glasses for a cat? I wouldn’t mind a unicorn though! 🙂
Great list, I opt to Taylor Swift and I would love to know more soon .. thanks for sharing this information