A Baby Brother or Sister is the Most Requested Gift on British Kids' Letters to Santa

    BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, December 22, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- According to a survey of 2,000 British parents conducted by Westfield London and Stratford City, what children actually want for Christmas may surprise you. Putting pressure on parents to expand their brood, top on the list for kids aged 3 - 12 is a baby brother or sister.

This is closely followed in second place by requests for a reindeer while in third place, although Santa might have trouble squeezing it into a stocking, is a pet horse.

Some parents may choose to splash out on a car, the fourth most in-demand gift - even though their kids are too young to drive, while in fifth place is their very own pet pooch.

Top 10 funniest Christmas presents, as requested by British children:
1. Baby brother or sister
2. Reindeer
3. Horse
4. Car
5. Dog
6. Chocolates
7. House
8. Snow
9. Rock
10. Dad

17 out of the top 50 requests are for animals but while traditional fish, cats and hamsters did make the list, more unusual pets including chickens, elephants and donkeys were also requested by British children.

Nowadays children's letters to Father Christmas are filled with requests for the latest electronic gadgets to hit the shelves, with iPhones and iPads both appearing in the top 50 most desired Christmas gifts.

The UK's mums may be a little upset to hear that while 'Dad' came in at number 10, 'Mum' only made it in as the 23rd most requested present on their little one's lists.

Some of the other answers will have you laughing out loud mid-way through your mince pie and include the moon, a time machine, a pond cover and beetroot.

Unbelievably, celebrities were a popular choice as stocking fillers, with one child asking for Eva Longoria and another wishing Harry from One Direction would come knocking on the door on Christmas morning.

It looks like the age of celebrity culture has not escaped the youngest of minds but don't worry, there's lots on the list that also provides reassurance that kids are happy to be kids for as long as possible, especially when they ask for a hug or a rainbow.

For the top 50 funniest things children have requested on their wish-lists to Santa, or if you're struggling for some more realistic gift ideas, head to the Westfield London gift guide for kids or Westfield Stratford City gift guide for kids, for some extra inspiration.

Doing some last minute Christmas shopping this week? Why not treat your kids to an ice-skating session at Westfield Stratford City's outdoor rink, or indoors at Westfield London? Both centres still have tickets available which are pre-bookable online.

Website: http://uk.westfield.com

For further information and images please contact:
Hannah Foster
[email protected]
01273 760992

# # #