Sales of Lego, superhero toys and Shopkins helped family-owned Irish toy-seller Smyths to record revenues of over half a billion euro in its expanding UK operations.

The acquisition by Smyths Toys of the 93 Toys R Us stores and online operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland propels the Irish-based retailer into the largest of its type in Europe, with the deal adding significant financial clout and likely to be only the start of a further growth spurt, the company has signalled.

So, have they been naughty or nice? There’s certainly no shortage of options for the Santa list this year. Áilín Quinlan takes a look at what’s likely to make a splash and the role that social media plays in what children choose.

Sales of Power Rangers and Frozen dolls last year helped family-owned Irish toy-seller Smyths enjoy a 34% increase in pre-tax profits in its British and Northern Irish operations to £4.3m (€5.86m).