PARENTS in Scotland are lavishing gifts on their children despite the downturn, spending around 22% more on their offspring's Christmas gifts than the UK average.

Figures from insurance firm LV show that Scots youngsters receive presents and stocking fillers worth around £217, compared to an average of £178 in the UK as a whole.

According to LV's Cost of a Child study, Scottish parents will this year spend £186 on main presents and £31 on smaller, stocking filler gifts – a total of £32 more than last year.

Parents throughout the UK will spend £2.47 billion this year on Christmas gifts for their children, with the biggest spend (£220) on youngsters between the age of seven and 11.

The survey also reveals that almost a third of parents (31%) are feeling under more financial pressure to buy their children what they want for Christmas than in previous years.

More than a quarter (29%) admit they will have to cut back on how much they spend on other family members to help stay within their budget.

Mark Jones, head of protection for LV, warned many families will be feeling the financial strain.

He said: "Kids clearly come first despite tough economic times, with many parents intent on spending the same or more on their children this year.

"With mum and dad forking out £178 on average per child, parents are clearly keen to make Christmas as memorable as possible.

"Many families will be feeling the financial strain of keeping their kids happy this Christmas, so it's important parents try and look beyond the short term and also ensure they have suitable budgets and longer term financial plans in place.

"Even a small drop in income can make it hard to balance the books, especially at this time of year, and people should make sure they have adequate protection in place to look after their finances if the unexpected should happen."

The survey, which shows that average parents in the UK will spend £210,000 on raising a child from birth to 21, also reveals that some parents are already looking to avoid tears on Christmas morning, with 8% warning children not to expect too much.

However, the UK as a whole will spend an extra £10 on children compared to last year.

Parents in the east of England will spend the least, with a total budget of £129 per child.

The top-selling presents are expected to include the Doggie Doo, priced at £22.99, which teaches children how to scoop up excrement, and a Fireman Sam Rescue set, priced at £29.99. Other favourites include a Kidizoom children's camera, priced at £49.99, and Lego Ninjago set, priced at £19.99.