The Christmas shopping season is well underway, and consumers are expected to spend a little more this year than last to satisfy the desires of family and close friends.
A Gallup poll conducted in November indicates that Americans plan to spend an average of $830 on Christmas gifts this year, way up from 2014 when the average peaked at $720. This year’s figures represent the highest average amount spent since November 2007, about a year before the start of the Great Recession. Gallup dug even deeper into American holiday spending habits and found that from November 2007 through November 2008, the average spending expectation had plummeted from $866 to $616 during the global financial crisis. There’s been a steady climb since then, which is good news to merchants who rely on the period from Black Friday to Christmas Eve to bring in the most revenue. Prior to 2007, the only other time that consumers felt financially comfortable enough to spend a little more on the holidays was in 1999 when the average amounted to $875.
Gallup estimated for this year that 30 percent of Americans are expecting to spend at least $1,000 on Christmas gifts. Specifically, households that earn $75,000 or more per year are expecting to spend an average of $1,227 on presents. Middle-income households plan to spend about $786, and families with a household income of less than $30,000 per year plan to drop about $460. Further, families with kids under 18 years will probably spend more than $1,000; people without children will likely spend around $700.
What will we spend all this money on this year? Usually the same assortment of gifts as in past years. Most of the money spent, of course, will be on children’s toys, women’s apparel (including jewelry) men’s gifts (i.e. toiletries) and the ever-growing purchase of pet items. Here’s a run-down compiled by Overstock.com on the most popular Christmas gifts for 2015, starting of course, with toys for the sometimes picky little ones:
Action figures. Some psychologists suggest that imaginative play helps kids develop problem-solving skills and helps with language development. Many little boys love using action figures to get their imaginations going. Years ago toy soldiers were a perfect gift, but today little boys equally enjoy toy animals, trains and cars. Action figures also make great stocking stuffers.
Toy vehicles. These have been a staple in a little boy’s toy chest since the days of Tonka Trucks and Hot Wheels. Toy vehicles can be played with in many different ways and provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. This extends from racing cars on a track to playing “mechanic” on a truck. Larger toy trucks are often favored by young children, while older kids may prefer slot-car or model train sets.
Remote control vehicles. From cars to planes, remote control (RC) toys are a favorite Christmas gift for boys each year. Toddlers should have RCs that are pre-assembled with a simple remote. Boys 14 years and up—as well as for adult hobbyists—get a real kick out of kits that will allow them to build their own RC toys
Fort sets and play tents. Little kids love a secret hiding place, and forts can be a perfect solution. They come in a variety of styles, from bed tents to build-a-fort sets, and the child can use these both indoors and outdoors.
Scooters. Outside of the now-controversial hoverboards, scooters (always with a helmet) can be perfect for the little one to get around the neighborhood and are available in models suited for children as young as three years old. Look for small, plastic scooters for younger children; metal scooters are advised for older youth who may want to do tricks. If your child’s school allows it, electronic scooters are an excellent and quick way to get to campus … on time!
Toys for little girls have not changed to a large degree. The following toys are said to stimulate the imagination, help with development and keep your little girl entertained for hours:
Baby dolls. Pretend play may be even better with a doll because it helps toddlers learn that other people have needs and teaches them to be sensitive to those needs. The simple baby doll with a bottle and a diaper to “change” remains a favorite toy for little girls; these youngsters ages 5 to 9 years may want a few outfits and accessories to go with the doll.
Dollhouses. These are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to shop for a dollhouse that will go well with your daughter’s favorite companions, whether they be fashion dolls or the princess in need of a castle to live in.
Play kitchens. Kids see their parents making meals everyday, and lots of children want to try it out, too. Play kitchens and pretend food are popular gifts for kids from ages 2 through 8, and provide hours of imaginative play for young children. The Easy Bake Oven is still a favorite.
Educational toys. These provide plenty of fun opportunities to develop math and engineering skills. Building blocks are great for children as young as 2-years-old; older youth can have fun with science kits.
Craft kits are a terrific gift. Doing crafts helps kids work on their fine motor skills and help to develop self esteem. Craft kits can make it easier for a child to learn a new skill and complete an entire project by themselves. Jewelry kits are always a favorite because children 8 years and up can proudly wear their creation since the kits have all the pieces they need to weave bracelets and other accessories.
Today, both boys and girls will enjoy playing with any of the above items. Make sure the toy is age appropriate, has no toxic paint, no small parts that may be accidentally swallowed and, if possible, have batteries installed so the child can get started playing right away. Top-10-Store.com lists the following toys as the “must-haves” for 2015:
LeapFrog Epic Kids’ Tablet ($107.99);
Fisher Price Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbox ($69.99);
V Tech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX ($47);
Nintendo 3DS XL ($174.99);
WowWee MiP Robot Rev ($67.30);
Star Wars A New Hope Darth Vader Electronic Lightsaber ($32.45);
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar ($49.99);
Amazon Fire 7-inch Kids Edition Tablet ($89.99);
Crayola Color Wonder Light-Up Stamper ($24.99); and
Anki Overdrive Race Set Starter Kit ($119.99).
Women’s gifts are often the most expensive purchases. And sometimes finding the right gift can be tricky, because the latest fashion and/or trends may not apply to every woman. For instance, what you purchase for mom may not hit the mark for your wife, partner or girlfriend. Here are a few items—all under $50—that may satisfy the person who throughout the year does so much yet asks for so little:
—The Sholdit Signature Travel Scarf is a perfect gift for new moms. The cross-body item provides the security of keeping your phone, wallet and keys readily available virtually “hands free.” The scarf comes in black or gray, is hand-washable and can even convert into a clutch if need be.
—Bird + Stone offers a number of gifts for the socially-conscious woman. The company donates 15 percent of its profits to fund training for widowed mothers in Kenya who dream of becoming entrepreneurs. Among the company’s most popular items is the Buddah Awali Stretch Bracelet ($26), or their newly added brass Dreambuilder Cuff ($38). Five dollars from each Dreambuilder Cuff purchase goes directly towards Bird + Stone’s cause.
—Bath and Body Works has combined its top-rated Stress Relief products into an Ultimate Aromatherapy Gift set. The set costs $35 and includes bath oil, body wash and lotion. The product is available in several scents, with Eucalyptus Spearmint being the most popular.
—Built NY’s City Tote ($39) comes in numerous patterns, is lightweight, extremely durable and is large enough to fit every woman’s essentials. Maybe the best part of the bag is the fact that it’s made of neoprene (wetsuit material) meaning there is no need to worry about messes or spills since it wipes clean and is machine washable. It is fully insulated and can be a perfect bag for transporting seasonal dishes in style.
—Chenille Wave Throw. With the weather dipping to near-freezing levels locally, what better way to enjoy an indoor night by the fire than with a big cozy blanket. You can purchase these at Target ($23.99) in four colors, including red and green which are perfect for Christmas. The item is machine washable and, if you order it online, you can have it gift wrapped.
—Urban Outfitters sells a wooden charging station which is a slim, sleek way to utilize a pair of USB ports to charge cell phones and tablets. The extra storage leaves room for other items she may not want to forget while running out the door. Price: $50.
—BeBella’s Facial Essence Stick helps keep skin hydrated, evens out skin tones and fights against aging. The 13-ounce product uses probiotics and collagen, which can boost skin’s natural defenses and help create faster cell turnover. This product can also be applied over makeup and instantly absorbs without leaving any residue. Price: $50.
Esquire Magazine this month is promoting a number of items for men that cost under $25. Here’s a few stocking-stuffers:
—Brooks Brothers stripe watchband ($14.50);
—Saturdays Surf NYC Blend No. 1 Coffee ($13.50);
—Car and Driver mini vacuum ($14.95);
—Land’s End pocket squares (three for $15 with a monogram);
—ASOS “simple” brown belt ($17.06);
—Hanes three-pack “tagless” T-shirts ($11.99);
—Malin and Goetz Bergamot Body Wash ($18).
You can find practically all of these items at the Antelope Valley Mall and at most fine retailers throughout the region.
There are a number of novelty gifts for sale this year, perfect for someone with a terrific sense of humor. For instance, a company called LunarLand.com will sell you a one-acre parcel of land on the moon. It is apparently 100-percent legal and real. It’s a steal at $29.99, undeveloped, and you’ll probably have to take the “realtor’s” word about location. “Name-A-Star” is exactly that. For $19.99, the company will send you a certificate with your name and details about the “heavenly body” created a “long time ago in a place far, far away.”
Cloud9living.com offers a “Race Car Driving Experience” for the daring among you. The website claims the gift will “capture the heart of any racing enthusiast” for $99.
Finally, the same Cloud9living.com company will sell you a scenic helicopter tour of your favorite city for $250. If you plan to purchase this gift, wait a little until after the El Nino storms have moved on.
Happy Holidays!
