More than 10 per cent of parents admit they will probably have to throw away at least one brand new toy on Christmas Day due to breakage, research from esure home insurance has found.

One in seven new toys will not last out the day, parents have said, which means an estimated £1.1billion worth of new toys will get broken and discarded this Christmas Day.

Broken or damaged toys not only waste money, but also threaten Christmas cheer, the research found, with half of parents saying that a ruined toy means a ruined Christmas; 72 per cent of children are likely to cry or throw a tantrum before the day is out.

Dolls or action figures face the highest risk from damage, with 26 per cent getting broken, while almost one in five parents said that more expensive gifts such as Nintendo Wiis and DS consoles are worse for wear before the day is out.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure home insurance, said: “Parents are continuing to spend a phenomenal amount of money on Christmas gifts for their children.”

He added that “As accidents can happen and sadly we can’t always avoid the tears and tantrums that follow, we would advise parents to ensure they keep hold of all receipts – particularly for high-value gifts – and consider adding accidental damage cover onto their home insurance policy in the event of a major Christmas mishap.”

esure’s home contents insurance increases automatically by 15 per cent during the three weeks prior to Christmas to cover gifts and food bought for the festivities. 

© Fair Investment Company Ltd

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