Last Minute Shopping Means Seeking Hottest Items
By Diana Sanders

‘Tis the season to be shopping. The end of 2005 is fast approaching, rounding out yet another year in which holiday wish lists include high-priced gadgets, newly released in time for the holidays. And since the big days are almost here, stores are inevitably crowded with frantic shoppers looking to check items off their lists as the clock ticks away.

By now, holiday “it” items are selling out, sold out or unbelievably hard to find. Still, that does not stop shoppers who will do just about anything to make this holiday technologically advanced. The iPod concept is helping this advancement. With the iPod nano, the new iPod Video, the Cingular ROKR iPod cell phone, and even an iPod pet, the capabilities of this family of portable machines are unlimited, and consumers have confirmed the iPod to be the best selling gadget of this season, targeting all ages.

Video games are also a crowd favorite. The Xbox 360, just released late last month, and PSP (Playstation Portable Console), also released this year, are two video game systems that kids and teenagers, even, possibly, adults cannot live without. An Xbox 360 might be harder to find because of its extremely high demand, so those that can get their hands on it are sure to have the hottest gift around. Games for these systems also make great gifts.

Also in the top 10 list is the Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver. With Howard Stern joining Sirius early in January, the satellite provider is set to explode in sales, which makes now the perfect time to purchase the product.

If gadgets are not the best present for a significant other, men can rest assured that the ideal piece of jewelry, for her is the Three Stone ring representing the past, present and future. It’s a best selling piece, and perfect for a holiday occasion. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Our Top 10 Gift List for

this holiday season:

1. iPod Video

2. Xbox 360

3. Motorola RAZR

4. Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver

5. Palm Treo 650 PDA (Cingular)

6. iPod nano

7. PSP Play station Portable Console

8. LCD/ Plasma Televisions

9. Three-Stone Ring – representing present, past and future

10. iPod Cell Phone – ROKR E1 (Cingular)

Kids can be just as hard to shop for as adults. A new generation Furby takes the top spot this year. The popular toy now features a voice recognition function that allows the Furby to reply to commands in both “Furbish” and English. This interactive toy is ideal for children.

The VTech V.Smile handheld game console will provide children with a technological aid in education,. This learning game is portable and teaches children everything from spelling to different shapes. This toy targets children five years and older and makes the learning experience at their tender age enjoyable. These toys are only a few of an array of selections of gifts. Other educational gifts such as the Leapfrog Leapster are also ideal for the growing child. If all else fails, rest assured that it would not be a holiday without Harry Potter. The famous wizard-in-training character has tons of accessories that would make any child smile.

Top 5 Gifts for Children:

1. Furby

2. VTech V.Smile V-Pocket Handheld Game Console

3. LeapFrog Leapster L-Max

4. iDog

5. Harry Potter Accessories

Last minute shopping for these items might be a difficult task, as they’re all in high demand. But while most of the products are also at the high end of the price scale, they represent the 2005 holiday season market’s best offerings.

Having said that, one can always ignore the fads and gimmicks of the day and purchase simple inexpensive gifts from the heart. After all, it is often said that it is the thought that counts.

As far as “hot” gifts go, though, our 2005 top 10 list is fairly complete. Please write in and tell us what holiday gifts had your name on them, especially if you gave or received something interesting or unusual. Our readers will love to hear about them all—the good, the bad and the unconventional alike.