11/15/2013
Nearly three in 10 parents (29%) say that the last time their children asked them for money, it was for toys, according to C+R Research. Toys and games are essential factors in childhood and become even more prevalent during the holiday season. Both Hasbro and Mattel say more than 40% of their sales happen in November and December.
This heightened focus on toys showcases the importance of understanding today’s children’s play patterns. While nearly every major toy brand has introduced App-enabled toys, 71% of parents say their children have never used one, with another 14% not sure.
Ultimately, children stick with the tried and true. If they receive a $100 gift card, 19% want it to be from Toys “R” Us. If their birthday was tomorrow, 31% want toys, 10% want Legos, 4% want Nerf shooters, and an additional 16% want some other toy as a gift.
Nearly one in 10 children (9%) say the best thing about being a kid is getting a lot of toys. And 14% say that, if they were granted one wish, it would be for more toys. A similar percentage (9%) says their most prized possession is one of ttheir toys.
Almost one in four children (24%) shopped at toy stores during the past month, and 80% purchased something while there. More than one in 10 children (13%) spent their own money buying toys, and 26% are currently saving to buy more toys and games.
Three in Four Holiday Gift Givers Expect to Purchase Electronics
Three in four shoppers (74%) who plan to purchase gifts during the 2013 holiday season intend to purchase consumer electronics, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
Headphones/earphones will be the most popular consumer electronics devices given this year (40%), followed by a case for an electronic device (27%), tablets (26%), smartphones (24%), and laptop computers (23%).
Nearly nine in 10 holiday shoppers (87%) say they are likely to use a mobile device to help them shop for consumer electronics this holiday season, primarily to look up retailer information (66%), compare prices (62%), and get product information (62%)
Meanwhile, families expect to spend $1,260 on holiday gifts this year, according to American Express Spending and Saving Tracker. Most of this money goes to their children (42%), while 22% will be spent on a spouse.
SOURCE: American Express, Kimberly Litt, 200 Vesey St., New York, NY 10285; 212-640-0453; kimberly.b.litt@aexp.com; www.americanexpress.com.
Consumer Electronics Association, Steve Koenig, Director, Industry Analysis, 1919 S. Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202; 703-907-4317; skoenig@ce.org; www.ce.org.
C+R Research, Amy Henry, VP Youthbeat, 500 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-828-9200; ahenry@crresearch.com; www.crresearch.com.
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