Smyths Toys has issued a warning for parents using its click and collect service in Ireland, as the retailer’s clear plastic bags could reveal Christmas presents to curious children
Christmas shoppers outside Smyths Toy store during the Covid 19 Coronavirus pandemic on Jervis Street in Dublins city centre.(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
With Christmas just around the corner, households all over Ireland are in full festive swing.
Parents are already rushing to shops, particularly during this Black Friday weekend, keen to snap up the best bargains before the big day. However, amidst the festive frenzy, Smyths Toys has issued a crucial warning for parents purchasing presents this year.
The well-known retailer offers a convenient click and collect service, but it could spell trouble for those using it with inquisitive children in tow. Orders are packed in transparent plastic bags, which means that Christmas morning surprises could be unveiled long before Father Christmas makes his appearance.
A notice on the Smyths website states: “Please note your Click and Collect items will be in clear packaging with contents visible.” Year on year, social media users caution parents to bring their own bags.
In 2020, Twitter user Sarah Breen posted: “Warning to anyone using the click and collect service from Smyths – they put everything in a clear bag. I repeat, the bag is CLEAR.”, reports the Irish Mirror. She followed up in 2021, reminding everyone: “This is your seasonal reminder that Smyths plastic bags are still SEE THROUGH”.
To assist parents in preserving the magic, Smyths has extended its store hours in the run-up to Christmas, with most locations remaining open until 10pm Monday to Friday – ideal for late-night gift-buying missions. The retailer also provides a variety of Black Friday deals in-store and online, while stocks last.
Social media warnings have led to parents sharing their own close calls. One individual recounted: “A colleague here has Amazon Alexa which announced ‘your package will be delivered in 30 minutes’… to which the kids responded ‘Alexa, what’s in the package?’ and were duly told”.
In response to how to rectify the problem, one person advised: “You probably know this, but you can set Alexa to be more discreet about those things.”
To alter your Alexa settings and prevent any surprises being spoiled, follow these steps:
- Open Alexa on your phone.
- Tap Settings.
- Choose Notifications.
- Select Amazon Shopping.
- Uncheck the box titled “For items in delivery updates” under the section “Let Alexa say or show titles for items you’ve ordered.”
Parents are also urged to keep a watchful eye on deliveries, as some may not arrive in inconspicuous packaging. One parent revealed: “I’ve had toys delivered with no box, just address sticker slapped on them – would have been disastrous if the kids had seen”.
Another chimed in: “The Lego online shop was shipping all their stuff last year in big Lego-branded boxes. Pure grace of God none of our kids came to the door when DPD delivered it.”
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