Confession: I had a ridiculously hard time coming up with a Christmas list this year. I was prodded since September for a reasonable list of things I would want to see under the tree, and it took me almost two months to pull together three items that I wouldn’t otherwise purchase for myself.
I really can’t remember the last time it took me so long to put together a wish list – I’m not selfish, but since it’s an inevitable part of Christmas (“I really don’t need anything” doesn’t fly in my family), I tend to store ideas in my mind over the year.
It got me thinking about my gift-getting preferences. Since college, I’ve found myself requesting more items I need versus things I want. Additionally, more and more of my Christmas lists have included gadgets and tech gear over clothes or jewelry (well, none of my Christmas lists have included jewelry – I’m much too picky). Last year, a GPS. The year before, an iPod. I think next year, a FitBit (still too early, need to see more consumer reviews).
As it turns out, I’m not alone: She-conomy mentioned a Wired study from last year that said 77% of women would prefer a new plasma TV to a diamond necklace, and 56% would opt for a new plasma TV over a weekend vacation in Florida.
For the women who are asking for such items, seems your requests are being heard: According to Best Buy, 28% of gift givers this year plan to give an iPod this season, while 22% will give a computer game console and 20% will give a digital camera. 19% will give a large household appliance and 14% of those polled will give Smartphones.
What’d your list look like this year? Did you have your eye on the new Droid or an upgrade to your digital camera? And are you buying more gadgets and devices for the women on your list?
December 21st, 2009 at 11:53 am
A good C# or Java/SQL contract assignment paying at least $25/hour (about what Russian and Indian offshore dev shops are getting) would be nice. Then again, I’m a woman, so might as well wish for the moon…..
December 21st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Some time off and away from the pressure of work and kids. I think my resolution this year will be to give me permission to get away. It’s true that most of my gift requests have begun to seem more like needs than wants.
However, I don’t lose sight of the fact that I am lucky to be working and balancing my time to spend with my family.
It would be nice to get together with some old friends and drink wine.
Kim (@kimgaxiola)