The countdown is on: Smyths releases toy catalogue for Christmas

And local retailers reassure customers that they have plenty of toys in stock ahead of the shopping rush

Dear Santa... There's lots of inspiration for children's Christmas letters in Irish toy shops.

The signs were all there: the leaves have started decorating our paths, the Late Late is back on our televisions and we were just wondering if it’s time to start putting on the heating again in the evenings. That’s right, we’re entering the latter part of the year and, naturally, many minds are turning to Christmas.

As reliable as Ryan Tubridy donning a cheesy jumper for the Toy Show, one of the larger toy retailers has released its annual catalogue to help children find inspiration for their letters to Santa Claus.