Share this on

What do you see as being the hottest trend for Christmas 2009?

Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Jennifer Hill, Blackstone's of Beacon Hill, Boston, MA

We've seen trends already that apply to the 2009 holidays. We've seen over the last year people are enjoying the idea of nesting: products that make your house comfy/cozy. Like a product called Maestro Mouse: he talks and plays music when you put [his sheet music] in front of him. We've sold over 40 already, compared to eight last year. People want more of that nostalgic traditional warm, cozy feeling for the holidays. We are selling more and more games and cookbooks. People are looking forward to the holidays with a different view. A happy view, but it is going to be that nesting in, what we remember from our childhood.

Gaming is coming back in popularity. We had just started bringing in more games and puzzles when I started seeing ads on television advertising games. I haven't seen that in years. I think it may be smaller gifts, we're seeing an increased spike in greeting cards, but I think people will still be giving gifts. It will be a good Christmas, not a bombastic Christmas, but a good Christmas.

Ted Kennedy Watson, Watson Kennedy, Seattle, WA

I think the hottest trend for the holiday season is not going to be a particular item, but more a particular price point. We are finding that items around $20 retail have been selling like mad these past months, and I see that trend continuing. It is funny, because our average ticket price has stayed around the same, but customers are buying more items.

As far as a particular category, our specialty food category sales have increased significantly in the last year. Chocolates, jams, salts, olive oils—all have been big sellers, and I think they will continue to be through the holiday season. It all makes perfect sense to me. People are staying home more, eating out less, so they are indulging in food related items that are a little more special than the norm.

Elizabeth Howard, The Cordial Cricket, Chester, VA

I see one of the hottest trends for Christmas 2009 being gifts that are personalized in some way. Whether it be single initials, a monogram or a name, the gift-giver is able to show the recipient that they put some special thought and effort into having a gift personalized just for them.

There are more gift options in the market which can be personalized than ever before, for adults and children alike. The cost of personalized gifts is also very affordable, with the personalization often being included or free. Consumers will continue to give gifts, but be looking for "more bang for their buck," and a personalized gift will meet that requirement.

Share this on

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Small Businesses Give Customer Presents, Few Raises

Nov 8, 2010

Q4 Q&A

Oct 4, 2011

We Ask, You Answered

Mar 3, 2011

Do you carry or plan to add younger-focused products to build your next generation of customers?

May 1, 2010

UPDATE: Holiday Forecasts For All

Oct 29, 2009

Also by this author

»MORE

Featured Company

Brandwise Inc.

Brandwise serves a model - not just an industry - by integrating, automating, and optimizing the entire sales channel, from wholesale Suppliers to their Reps and the Retailers they service. In short, our software helps Reps and Suppliers sell more and create... more