MOLINE, Ill — Christmas is fast approaching, which means if you have not started shopping for gifts, you better get a move on.
To help check off the items on the Christmas list, we have some tips on buying from Chris Byrne, also known as The Toy Guy. He's spent decades analyzing the toy industry across the country. You can read more on him by clicking here.
News 8's Charles Hart spoke with The Toy Guy, who's biggest tip is when you see a good deal make sure to take advantage of it quickly, because those sales may not last all season. He also had a great tip on finding the right toy for kids.
"We always say the hot toys are only hot if it's hot for your child," Byrne said. "Every child has a different play style. So the best toy for that child is one that fires their imagination, gets them interacting, engaged, social, interacting intergenerationally. You know, it's a piece of plastic until the imagination meets it and that's what we think is so marvelous about toys."
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Byrne recommends paying attention to shipping dates, especially when buying online. As Christmas nears, continue to check the arrival date, and make sure packages get delivered on time.
Just to name a couple, Byrne says some of the hottest toys right now are the Lego City and Climbing Center and Barbie toys.
"You want to be able to say I got what I need and focus on other things for the holiday and not worry about toys at the last minute," Byrne said.
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The biggest discounts on holiday shopping may be over for the year, experts recommend from here on out, be sure to shop around and compare prices at multiple stores to get the best deal this holiday season.
The National Retail Federation says holiday spending cost Americans on average $826 in 2022. And while consumers may spend a similar amount this year, people will likely find fewer items under the tree because of inflation.
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