Hot Trends and Hot Items for 2009
A Dose of Sass
By Steve Kemble
I have been getting e-mails from members asking what the hot holiday gift-giving trends will be this season, so here is my coveted list to help you complete your last-minute shopping. Many of us in the industry stay so busy producing end-of-year meetings or events that we find ourselves shopping madly mere days before the holidays. The shopping sprees, if planned without a list, can be more stressful than planning an 800-person conference. I do research throughout the year to determine what people really want, and here is my holiday gift to you.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and while the economy is down, it doesn’t mean that you should cut down your holiday shopping list, it simply means that you should shop smarter.
• Double-duty gifts—Gifts that have multiple uses offer more bang for your buck. For example, instead of buying a stuffed animal for the little one on your gift list, buy her an educational toy that will entertain and teach or, for the family that likes to eat out, purchase a Crock-Pot and recipe book that will provide many nights of delicious dinners.
• Quality vs. quantity—Instead of buying multiple low-priced gifts for a special friend, buy him one item for the same price that will last long and hold its value. Instead of three pairs of fashion earrings, buy one pair of pearls that will last a lifetime, or instead of a wool hat, glove and scarf set, buy one pair of cashmere-blend gloves.
• Gift cards—Always a great stand-by or back-up gift, the gift card is getting even more attention this season. For friends or family who may be staying in more often to cut costs, giving a gift card is a great way to get them out of the house on your dime. Restaurant gift cards for those who like to eat out or retail gift cards for the fashionistas are welcome treats.
And of course, there is an array of highly anticipated items and categories sure to be hits this holiday season.
• Zhu Zhu Hamsters—Interactive squeaking toy rodents that retail for about US$10 tested extremely well this summer.
• Nintendo Wii—It will continue to be popular with two new games launching in time for holiday, the highly anticipated “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” and “Wii Fit Plus.”
• Faux fur vests and thigh-high boots for women—These two fall fashion trends are sure to become popular holiday gifts and are available in a variety of styles and price points.
With more people staying in, products and items that giftees can enjoy around the house are sure to become more popular. Examples include DIY books (home, cooking, crafting, etc.), kitchenware (appliances, serving pieces) and personalized pieces (adding a touch of luxury at a reasonable price) such as monogrammed towels, sheets, etc.
As the price of HD and LCD screen TVs continue to fall, they will continue to be a hot gift for electronics-lovers.
And with the holidays providing an excuse for people to shop and splurge a little more than they normally would, simple and affordable luxuries will be hot. Gourmet chocolates, fine wine, cashmere-blend sweaters and other similar merchandise will be popular. One+
STEVE KEMBLE has been the magic behind countless international events for more than 20 years, from celebrating NFL players' accomplishments to organizing parties for two presidents. Follow him at www.adoseofsass.com or on Twitter @stevekemblechat.