As Christmas approaches, more and more parents are struggling with what gifts to prepare for their children.
This is because the prices of popular toys are so high that people are left wondering, "Were they always this expensive?"
Looking at the current toy market, it feels as if around 100,000 won (about 77 dollars) has become the new standard price.
Even choosing just a few gifts for one child can result in a significant increase in spending.
▶Popular Toys, Most Priced in the 100,000 Won Range◀
A look at major online malls such as Naver Shopping shows that many popular character toys are priced at the higher end.
For example, the Catch! Tinyping Princess Pact, from the popular animation "Princess Catch! Tinyping" (Catch! Tinyping), is priced at 99,900 won,
while the Tinyping Princess House is sold for 79,900 won.
In addition, the regular price of the Pororo Talking Refrigerator is 200,000 won, and the Little Bus Tayo Smart Tayo Big Mat is 53,000 won, among others.
Even buying just one or two items can be a heavy financial burden.
▶The 'Ten Pocket' Trend Drives High Prices◀
The so-called "Ten Pocket" trend is behind the rising prices of children's products.
This refers to the phenomenon where not only parents, but also grandparents and other relatives, open their wallets for a single child.
In line with this trend, companies are collaborating with popular animations and emphasizing premium concepts, boldly raising their price points as a strategy.
For example, the jewelry brand Lloyd reported that after collaborating with "Catch! Tinyping,"
sales of its "child safety necklace" increased more than threefold from November 17 to December 11 compared to the same period last year.
The necklaces are priced in the 100,000 won range, and some products sold out their initial stock within a single day of release due to overwhelming demand.
▶Turning to Daiso... Looking for Cost-Effective Gifts◀
However, not all parents opt for expensive gifts.
With rising prices, many consumers are looking for cost-effective gifts at places like Daiso.
One especially popular item is Daiso's advent calendar.
This calendar allows children to open one small gift each day as they count down to Christmas,
and parents can fill it themselves with individually wrapped snacks like jelly or chocolate to save on costs.
On Daiso Mall, it is easy to find reviews such as "I filled it with snacks as a Christmas present for my niece," "I bought it to put in the snacks my child wants,"
"The kids absolutely love it," and more.
▶Polarization of Year-End Spending in the U.S. ... "A Christmas Without Gifts"◀
The polarization of year-end spending is also seen overseas.
According to the U.S. polling agency Gallup,
Americans are expected to spend an average of $778 (about 1.15 million won) on gifts this holiday season.
This is $229 (about 340,000 won) less than the estimate from October.
The gap is even more pronounced by income level.
Households with an annual income of $100,000 or more are expected to spend an average of $1,230 (about 1.82 million won) on year-end gifts.
In contrast, households with an annual income of less than $50,000 are expected to spend $384 (about 570,000 won).
Middle-class households are projected to spend an average of $842 (about 1.24 million won).
Meanwhile, more parents in the United States are choosing a "Christmas without gifts."
According to the U.S. parenting media outlet Parents, "Parents are sharing their 'Christmas without gifts' stories on social media,"
"As Christmas approaches, some parents are beginning to reconsider long-standing traditions," the report said.
In fact, one grandmother drew attention by sharing that instead of buying gifts for her grandchildren, she deposited money into savings accounts she had opened for them in advance.
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Reporter Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Kong Sumin hyunhj@asiae.co.kr
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