As you begin shopping for holiday gifts this Christmas, start out with an organized list and a budget. Next, consider the person on your list for personality traits and do a Google search for something like "Gifts for readers," "Gifts for travelers" or "Gifts for engineers." For an excellent resource where you can search for the men, women, seniors and teens in your life, try "Gifts Ideas" holiday section.
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 "Dell", 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.
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 "Audible" 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 "Amazing Clubs", 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.
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, "Mosnose" has a book called "Mo Smells Red," which contains a neat push-and-sniff feature that kids will love! Also, "Frog Town Central" has a musical book called "One Night In Frogtown." At "Freckle Box", you can have books personalized for your little one, with their name inserted as the character.
For music lovers, visit "Spin Master" 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!