Top Gifts for 2010
As Christmas is rapidly approaching, department stores are stocking up on the hottest new trends for 2010. But, is Christmas this year going to be lavish? Will we be spoiled with the latest and greatest? Or are consumers taking the practical approach this year?
According to recent surveys, almost half of consumers are planning to spend less this year compared to 2009 and 2008 consumer reports. Information gathered from these surveys indicate that both men and women are planning to spend money on more practical items this year, such as clothing, hobby related items and sporting goods.
However, despite plans to stay practical, some consumers can’t resist the urge to splurge! After all, Christmas is a time of giving. Most will purchase at least one item from the “frivolous” list this year. So, what are those items?
The top 5 gift trends for 2010 are:
(1) Netbooks/Laptops:
These mini-laptops are compact, low-power and low-cost, usually $50-$100 cheaper than a regular laptops or notebooks. Since their first appearance, Netbooks have grown in size and features, allowing you to keep in touch with home and the office with powerful productivity tools and easy network connectivity. It’s a great gift idea for any student ranging from $299 - $399.
(2) Smartphones:
Almost anyone could benefit from the gift of a Smartphones. These impressive little phones offer all the features you need to manage the multitude of tasks in any lifestyle, whether it’s scheduling business meetings, reading e-mails or simply surfing the web. It’s important to stay a step ahead in the world today, and the Smartphones allows you to do just that, without the hassle of being tied to your desk or home. Many Smartphones also allow you to sync with your desktop computer, giving you the capability to store, view and work directly on your handheld. The Smartphones range in price from $199 - $699.
(3) Video Game Consoles:
No need for board games anymore, with the wide array of video game consoles available. With the latest and greatest video game consoles, you can play games with friends and family across the world without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. And now with the enhanced multimedia functions, such as web browsing and video and music support, you have an all-in-one device!
Some of the hottest video game consoles out this year are: Xbox 360 Pro, PS3, Nintendo Wii, DSi and the PSP 3000 (to name a few). These great gifts are sure to be a hit with any gaming guru! These range in price from $199 - $299.
(4) Digital Camera/Camcorders:
Say, “Cheese”! Any parent, grandparent or Aunt and Uncle are sure to love a new digital camera/camcorder. For all those special moments, nothing brings back memories more than pictures and video. And with all the digital technology it’s easy to share these memories with friends and family miles away. These great gift ideas that just keeps on giving, range in price from $295 - $549.
(5) eBook Reader:
eBook Readers allow your book lover to take reading on the go. This device holds as many favorite book titles as you could ever want, right at the tip of your fingers! They are designed to making the reading experience more enjoyable and less of an inconvenience, with the capability of making it easier to take notes, save articles and highlight passages. They’re not only convenient, but also portable and great for our environment! These great devices range in price from $149 - $399.
