This Year's Hot Gifts Are Upgrades of Last Year's Hot Gifts
The Batesville Herald Tribune has noticed what many other shoppers are noticing this year -- that this year's hot gifts like TMX Elmo, the iPod and the PlayStation 3 are just upgrades of hot gifts from past holidays.
Whether it's the latest Elmo craze, a trendy new clothing style or the most advanced electronic gaming system, 2006's holiday gift list is full of new takes on the traditional Christmas gifts.
Lori Jones, marketing director for Northpark Mall in Joplin, Mo., said that from her office's observations, luxury items focusing on wants instead of needs are popular again this year, including lotions, colognes, candles and massages.
Electronics have been popular for the past several holiday seasons. This year, iPods and accessories are in demand, along with cell phones and accessories, and video game systems such as the recently released PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.
Clothing continues to be popular for gifts, Jones said, with red accents in shoes, scarves and belts especially trendy this holiday season. Long tunic shirts and cowl-neck sweaters paired with leggings are being featured in mall display windows for shops marketing to women of every age. Jones said taking a long look at the display windows could help the fashion-challenged shopper select an appropriate Christmas gift.
The Roanoke Times conducted a poll and asked kids what they think the hot gifts will be in 2050. They also posted some of the answers on the web. Some of the comments are about upgrades of current tech products including iPods and gaming systems.
"An iPod that plays any song that happens to pop inside your head -- even if you couldn't remember the name of the song or the artist."
Chelsey Sutton, senior, Auburn High School
"The ultimate virtual video game -- all five senses are engaged: Sight, taste, touch, smell and hearing."
Brandon Rich, sophomore, Auburn High School
"Probably an iPod that you can clip directly on your ear."
Curtis Falgiani, sophomore, Giles High School
"The iPod Atom. iPods will get so small that they'll be the size of an atom and it'll be $3."
Drew Myers, senior, Hidden Valley High School
Apparently, many kids believe the iPod will survive into 2050 but with vastly improved features and much cheaper - $3 would be a big relief to parents. Another student came up with a much more impressive cost-saving device.
"An easy-bake oven that makes diamonds and other precious jewels."
Jacob Morgan, junior, Auburn High School
That oven will definitely be on our wish list for 2050.
