7/9/09

Shopping For Better Holiday Gifts

Before you begin shopping for holiday gifts, take a deep breath and relax. Now, spend a moment pondering the essence of the person you're buying for. Is this person a reader, a writer, an artist, a workaholic, a coffee lover, a pet lover, a world traveler or a high-tech guru? Try searching for hobby-related gifts and accessories for a thoughtful purchase.

Also, ask yourself what this person values. Is it time, money, a simplified lifestyle, relaxation or staying connected? Lastly, ask yourself if this person has dropped any hints this year. If you're really stumped over Christmas day gifts, here are some suggestions of top 2009 gifts.

Choosing holiday gifts for in-laws can be nerve wracking, especially if you're a little strapped for cash this holiday season. You can try a magazine subscription like Readers Digest, GQ, Esquire, Cosmo, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, Newsweek or The New Yorker.

Music CDs are another Christmas present idea for under $25 that could show thoughtfulness. You can try opera, holiday albums, ancestral folk music or oldies, to play it safe. Audiobooks could be a safer bet if you're really not sure what your in-laws' interests are. If they're particularly computer savvy, sites like www.audible.com offer monthly subscriptions and unlimited downloads.

Gourmet coffees, gift baskets, Christmas plants or edible arrangements also make a nice treat. Spa certificates can pamper your in-laws and are something they wouldn't usually buy for themselves. At www.amazingclubs.com, you can send monthly wines, cheeses, ice creams, beers and a number of other goodies in the mail, although this is a little more expensive.

A 2008 study by Home Electronics Journal found surprising similarities in affluent holiday gifts lists and the under $100,000 income bracket lists. A quarter of those making more than $100,000/year are hoping to receive flat panel plasma TVs this Christmas season. Another quarter would like a laptop and 25.1% would like a DVR/TiVo.

For those making less than $100,000, the preferred gifts are flat panel LCD TVs (31.4%), laptops (27.2%) and flat panel plasma TVs (23.9%). "Consumers have more interest than dollars to spend," says Roy Weiss, publisher of Home Electronics Journal.

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