If you’ve been hibernating through another British summer, perhaps you’re unaware that there’s a potential recession on the horizon and we’re experiencing what they call The Credit Crunch. Still, Damian Hirst just made £110 Million on sales of his bonkers contemporary art, so perhaps it’s not as bad as everyone thinks it is.

This Christmas, as banks burn and bankers rub their hands on the warmth of their yearly bonus, will you be spending less on your children, your family and friends? I don’t think so! We want to celebrate the joy of Christmas and have some Yuletide fun, rather than worrying about the fate of some oddly named bank on the far side of the world.

To prepare for a Christmas with more than Santa’s belt tightening, many people are going online to look for the best deals on gifts for Christmas already. The sale of goods via the Internet in the UK jumps up by millions each year, and a global financial hiccup is unlikely to stop people from wanting to buy and exchange Christmas gifts with their friends and family.

So why should you buy MORE than ever this Christmas? Two reasons.  First, the more that you spend, the more you are putting back into our ailing economy. Second, it’s Christmas and it’s often the only time of year that you get to show everyone around you how much they mean to you.

Even if you haven’t got very deep pockets this Christmas, it’s still possible to pick up some great bargains via the Internet. Online sales were up 38% in 2008, so clearly not everyone is panicking about finance during this period of apparent economic gloom.

And anyway, surely, if the Credit Crunch is biting down so hard on all of us, some retailers will be dropping their prices to make sure that we still purchase the items that they need to sell. Now could be the perfect time to go online and buy the gifts you want to give this Christmas. Take away the stress of trawling the streets and buy now on the Internet. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big Christmas gift; it’s the thought that counts.

Men! If you usually leave it to the last minute to buy your Christmas gifts, listen up. You could save money by buying all of your important gifts right now during the Autumn and not have to stress and sweat to pick out Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve this year!

Remember if you do want to leave your online Christmas shopping until the last minute, there are still the Christmas post and delivery times to consider. It’s no use grabbing an online bargain if the item will arrive in early New Year! Always check the delivery dates, especially around Christmas when normal postal services become completely ludicrous by around ten days before the big day.

Don’t panic, Christmas can be as big or as small as your budget, but take our advice and look to Internet shopping to save you money and hassle this Christmas time.

Monopoly has gone global! Deal your way in cities from around the World as chosen by you! With cards not cash and new deal making button for frantic, trading, family fun!

For 2-6 players. For ages 8 years and over. Requires 2 x AA batteries (Not Included)

Availabilty - August 2008

Man’s best friend is about to become a dream come true for kids this year as Hasbro introduces the FURREAL FRIENDS puppy called Biscuit, the newest, most realistic pet to ever join the FURREAL FRIENDS family.

Kids will love to interact with this adorable life-size golden retriever – through highly innovative voice recognition technology, Biscuit will obey six different voice commands including “sit,” “sit up and beg,” “lie down,” “give me a paw,” “speak” and “do you want a treat?” Just like a ‘real’ dog, Biscuit will move his head and ears, blink his eyes, wag his tail and bark. Biscuit will also sniff his ‘bone’ and chomp on his tasty treat.

Biscuit will also respond to touch; kids simply pet their new best friend on the sensors located behind his ears, on his head and on his back, and their new pal will wag his tail to show his delight.   Additionally, Biscuit includes an innovative ‘bark-back’ feature that will enable him to respond when he is spoken to! Biscuit comes complete with his very own comb and dog ‘bone.’

Requires 6 x Size D Batteries (not supplied)

Suitable for ages 5 +

RRP £149.99

Availabilty:- Sept/Oct 2008 (subject to change)

View the video below to see Biscuit in action.

• New sleek and sophisticated design
  • New voice recognition chip allows voice commands for
    • Light
    • Calendar
    • Alarm
  • Auto-opening tri-fold layout
  • New Ultra Violet light and pen
  • Suitable for ages 6+
  • Requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included)
   The Password journal can be purchased here from our online gift shop.

   

   

   

Elmo Live is the latest toy of the well known sesame street character Elmo. TMX Elmo was very popular amongst young children and was one of the best selling christmas toys in 2006. Elmo looks as though he is actually speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs when telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate elmo with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

Features:-

Downloadable actions, emotions and phrases

Go to sesame street online with Elmo, creating your own muppet. Elmo will sit next to you and talk to you while you play.

Suitable for age 18 months + 

RRP £59.99. 

Elmo Live will be available in the UK during October and is looking to be a very popular toy this christmas.

Check out the video below to watch Elmo Live in action, you will be amazed by how life like he is and how advanced the technology has gone since TMX Elmo in 2006.

Elmo can be pre-ordered from the All Things Gifts online store here. Price £64.99, UK P&P £4.95