This Christmas season, more and more shoppers are turning to their home computers to find holiday gifts. The ability to browse catalogs and get personalized shopping selections is a big draw for many people. Consumer reviews and price comparison sites are also making cyber-shopping a cut above the rest. Why waste money on gas rushing from store to store when you can get free shipping? And why fight the mobs to be the first one in the store at 6am, when you can get bargain “internet-only” deals from the comfort of your own home any time of the day or night? The only question that remains is, what shall you buy?
Electronics are big for Christmas gifts, making up 4/10 of the top wish list items for 2008 (Consumer Electronics Holiday Purchase Patterns Study). Nearly 80% of adults and 84% of kids said they’d like an electronic gift this year. So what’s hot for this Christmas season? Computers, video game consoles, portable MP3 players, mobile phones and digital cameras topped this year’s Christmas wish list. For computers, check out laptops at www.dell.com, where you can find products for as low as $376.
The Nintendo Wii is still the game console of choice this year, with its wide array of fun virtual-reality-type games. The price has come down a lot over the years, retailing for around $300. The X-Box 360 is another good option for the gamer. In the world of portable MP3 players, iPods still reign supreme, retailing between $149 and $300. The iTouch is the most coveted mobile phone on the market for 2008, known for its touchscreen, application support and versatility. For cameras, check out the Canon PowerShot series, where you can find great value for under $300. The Nikon SLR cameras have come down in price a lot and the Sony CyberShot is said to be a good buy as well for that perfect Christmas gift.
Even if you’ve been with someone for years and years, finding holiday gifts for a spouse or long-term partner can be difficult. While a thoughtful, personalized Christmas present is always preferred, there are some gifts that just can’t fail. For that special lady on your list, a Movado watch is a timeless gift that functions as a piece of jewelry, a symbol of your enduring love and a functional item. Girls also like gadgets just as much as guys, so something like the Canon PowerShot series camera, the Apple iPod Touch or a Garmin auto GPS system are always cool gifts. If your lover is a merry baker, then every woman deep down craves a KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer. Women also love a thoughtfully planned trip, whether it is a cruise or a gift certificate for www.bedandbreakfast.com. A day at the spa gift certificate and show tickets are also big winners for the high-powered, successful woman in your life.
If you’re looking for holiday gifts for young children, then try to find something that encourages new interests and discoveries. For the little reader, www.mosnose.com has a book called “Mo Smells Red,” which contains a neat push-and-sniff feature that kids will love! Also, www.frogtowncentral.com has a musical book called “One Night In Frogtown.” At www.frecklebox.com, you can have books personalized for your little one, with their name inserted as the character. For music lovers, visit www.spinmaster.com to see some of Yo Gabba Gabba’s dancing fuzzy monster toys, including: Dance Time Brobee, Gab ‘n Sing TooDee and Muno’s Groovin’ Guitar. Leap Frog’s Learn & Groove Musical Table is perfect for kids ages 6 months – 3 years. Little artists will love the Doodle Mat, while toddlers and older kids alike will enjoy Crayola’s Color Wonder Magic Light Brush. Crayola Beginnings TaDoodles Scribble & Sing Art Station is another fulfilling game for those 18 months and up. There are a number of gifts for little ones this Christmas season, so happy shopping!
