A number of items that could be given as presents at Christmas are at risk of low supply due to the current semiconductor shortage.

Semiconductors – a vital material for making computer chips – are a key component in a huge number of products including smartphones, laptops and even cars.

The automotive company Leasing Options have predicted the Christmas presents to be in short supply in a couple of months.

Mike Thompson, Director at Leasing Options adds “The semiconductor shortage has caused major delays to a number of new cars, with some people waiting months for their vehicle.

“However, what a lot of the public aren’t aware of is how this shortage could result in a limited supply of the most highly anticipated Christmas presents.”

Here are the 6 presents that could be in risk of short supply at Christmas

Smartphones and watches

Smartphones will be a key item affected, with the iPhone 13 already having slowed down production due to the semiconductor shortage.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was also set to launch back in August, but it was delayed, allegedly due to chip shortages.

Laptops

Semiconductors are a fundamental part to running laptops.

Therefore, shoppers should expect brands like Acer, Dell and HP too to be running low on manufacturing laptops in time for Christmas.

Cars

Automotive manufactures such as Jaguar Land Rover, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Stellanis and the Volkswagen Group have been affected by shortage with some having to temporarily shut down production lines.

Household appliances

Everyday household appliances such as toasters, washing machines and fridges are victims of the shortage too.

Games consoles

The release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2020 played a major part in the semiconductor shortage due to demand being so high for the consoles.

The shortages of these consoles remain a problem in 2021 and according to manufacturer Toshiba this could last until 2023.

TVs

Most high-end TVs use semiconductors to get a greater screen definition.

Any TVs with a screen using organic LED (OLED) technology will be at risk of being affected by the shortage.