Nobody wants to hear the C word at this time of year but it's coming fast and if you start shopping now there are some huge bargains to be had.

Retailers are offering half price deals on many toys this month, but you'll have to be quick as these offers won't be around for long.

Toys R Us has an Early Buys Catalogue out with many half price offers.

Bargains include the Imaginext Batman Gotham City , which has 50 per cent off and is selling for £29.99.

There's also the Bruin Preschool My First Blue Drum Set , reduced from £39.99 to £19.99

and the 6V Avigo Bandit Trimoto Pink , reduced from £79.99 to £39.99.

Customers can also take advantage of the retailer's Christmas payment plan which means they can get what they need now and spend the next three months paying for it.

The layaway programme Take Time to Pay allows families to fill up a trolley with whatever they want and spread the cost between now and the big day.

There is no credit check and the goods are kept at the store until they're paid for - meaning parents don't have to worry about storing them safely away from those eagle eyes.

The offers are running until October 18.

Tesco also has 'up to half price' deals on selected toys from now until October 16.

Included in the offers is this Disney Frozen 10" kids' bike with stabilisers , which is reduced from £50 to £25...

and this Carousel Train Table Set , half price at £30.

Wilko has its own half price toy sale running at the moment.

Many of its Blox sets are included in the offer, such as this Wilko Blox Castle Mega Set , reduced from £30 to £15...

and this Wilko Blox Pirate Ship Large Set , half price at £7.

There's Monster High dolls, Frozen dolls, Lalaloopsy baby dolls and lots more.