I personally think its to do with people even children being too materialistic by that I mean the would get something bought to them on a normal shopping trip that children of my generation would have only had a chance of getting as a Christmas Gift & in some cases a very Slim chance , my nephew last night was a perfect example , he went to Tesco's with his Mum & came home with a PSP game worth £30 , & I know personally he has about £1,000 worth of Gifts for Christmas from his Mum & Dad alone ( which I personally think is ridiculous for an 8 Year Old).
So maybe were are the cause of our own downfall ?
When I was a child I got maybe two or three Good present & maybe a few stocking fillers , but the Max Value of my presents would rarely have exceeded £30 - 40 .....
I remember the year I got a train set Which cost £15 guineas (£15:75), I only got one other toy & an Annual & selection Box ( a Mars Double tray one which was a standing order every Christmas)