Christmas shoppers are being urged to be cautious this festive season as shopping gets underway for the big day next month.
With many scrambling around for the best deal from Black Friday and into Cyber Monday, Smyths Toys has warned parents ahead of buying presents.
The beloved toy shop offers a click and collect service — handy for those who are strapped for time.
Christmas shoppers are being urged to be cautious this festive season as shopping gets underway for the big day next month. Pic: Shutterstock
Unfortunately, the shop has warned the orders are packaged in clear plastic bags, which could spell trouble for anyone collecting gifts with children in tow!
‘Please note your Click & Collect items will be in clear packaging with contents visible,’ a warning on the Smyths Toys website confirmed.
While Smyths has issued a warning for shoppers, those shopping elsewhere should also be mindful that deliveries may not come in discreet packaging regardless of if it has been specified or not.
With many scrambling around for the best deal from Black Friday and into Cyber Monday, Smyths Toys gas warned parents buying presents. Pic: John Keeble/Getty Images
It comes as the shop extended its opening hours this month, with some locations staying open as late as 10pm throughout the week in the run up to Christmas Day.
Many other shops across the country will also be extending their opening hours, meaning those still needing to pick up Christmas presents have more time to do so.
Elsewhere, Amazon Alexa owners should be aware that cheeky children can discover what has been delivered to the house simply by asking the Alexa device.
To prevent this from happening and stop any surprises being ruined, Alexa users must open the app on their phone, tap settings, go into notifications and then Amazon shopping and uncheck the box titled ‘items in delivery updates. Pic: Getty Images
To prevent this from happening and stop any surprises being ruined, Alexa users must open the app on their phone, tap settings, go into notifications and then Amazon shopping and uncheck the box titled ‘items in delivery updates.’
Last week, An Post issued their deadlines for cards and parcels for the festive season, with anyone sending letters and presents urged to double check the last dates.
Shoppers sending standard letters or large envelopes within the Republic have until 22 December to get them in the post.
The cut-off for letters to the UK is 18 December, while mail for Northern Ireland must be sent by 19 December.
International deadlines are earlier: letters to Europe must be posted by 18 December; to the United States by 10 December; and to all other worldwide destinations by 4 December.
