Argos bosses stop printing catalogue that has formed the basis of children's wish lists for decades in Milton Keynes

Argos bosses have decided to stop producing their hefty volume, which was once described as "the laminated book of dreams" by comedian Bill Bailey.

The catalogue produced in January this year will be the final one, they say.

Argos catalogues have formed the basis of Christmas and birthday wish lists for generations of children.

They were was first launched in 1972 and at one stage was Europe's most widely-printed publication. Only the Bible had pride of place in more homes across the nation.

During the 48 years, more than one billion copies of its bi-annual catalogue have been printed and at one stage it had a print run of 10 million copies.

Some of Britain's best known celebrities have graced its pages, modelling clothes, household and sporting goods. These include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emma Bunton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emma Bunton, Tess Daley, Holly Willoughby, Michelle Collins and Emma Willis.

But Argos bosses say it the concept of a catalogue no longer needed as people today find online shopping more convenient than flicking through real pages.

Mark Given, chief marketing officer at Sainsbury’s, which owns Argos, said: “Over the decades the Argos catalogue has charted the nation’s changing tastes and trends in everything from must-have toys to the latest gadgets and devices,” said Mark Given, chief marketing officer at Sainsbury’s, which owns Argos.

“Just as our customers’ tastes have changed over the years, so have their shopping habits. We are seeing an increasing shift towards digital shopping, using our mobile app, website and in-store browsers. Closing the book on the catalogue will help us focus on delivering exciting and inspiring digital shopping experiences to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Argos will continue to print its Christmas Gift Guide.