by Samantha Elliott

Created on: October 08, 2010   Last Updated: December 09, 2010

It certainly has been a long year of scrimping pennies, but with the holidays looming the vice-grip many of us have on our wallets is expected to loosen up some. In spite of the economy, the need to reward ourselves with a little sparkle and pizazz is desirable. While it may not be in the form of giant-bow adorned sports cars or plum-sized jewels, there are still some much-wished-for items that are sure to be fulfilled.

Trend #1: This holiday is brought to you by the letter i…

I as in iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad. The Apple brand domination is expected to continue, as your peer-pressured teen is completely enraptured by the product line he hears about daily. Substitutes abound, however the biggest buzz still hovers around the original. If he already has all three (not as rare as one would expect), there are an endless amount of accessories for these multi-functioning items. These include hi-fi speaker systems, docks, and stocking-stuffer sized Bluetooth headphones.

Trend #2: Electronics catch-up

Sure, Kindles, smartphones, and netbooks have been lapped up for quite some time, however there are bucket loads of consumers who are behind-the-times on these handy gadgets. Word-of-mouth remains the almighty power for advertising, and your Aunt Gertie has been won over by the soothing voice on your GPS-magically directing you to your destination. What a thoughtful gift she will find it, along with your peace of mind that she will no longer get lost on the back roads to your house. The not-so-tech savvy are also slowly learning the convenience of a smartphone by observing the rest of us. Finally they are ready to buy with confidence, even if they will require oodles of help with set-up.

Trend #3: Second-hand electronics

With major focus on recycling and with stores like The Game Stop flourishing, buying second-hand is hot. Craig’s List, eBay, and Amazon have phenomenal deals on barely even used items. Thanks to those who upgrade every time CNET flaunts the latest device, we stragglers get to enjoy the products that may not be brand spanking new but are very new to us indeed.

Trend #4: Energy saving splurges

With the energy tax credit set to expire, a rush can be expected on state of the art appliances that will end up saving folks money in the long run. After prolonged large purchase deprivation, an Energy Star dishwasher could feel as luxurious as a diamond bracelet. As more bill-paying spouses notice their dollars flying out the window when the cold winter draft breezes in, fireplace inserts and efficient wood stoves are welcome gifts. Tankless water heaters and solar products will also be coveted under the tree.

Trend #5: Bringing back the old-fashioned (and wallet-friendly) fun

Still, many families will need to get creative this year due to financial constraints. Yankee swaps will make the rounds again, bringing  lightheartedness to the times while mercifully allowing one to buy a single gift instead of one for every aunt, cousin, co-worker, etc. Perhaps instead of a big-ticket present for each family member there will be one large gift for the whole household, such as an LCD television. Talents will be tapped to create homemade foods, crafts, and gift baskets. Pressure will be off to be flashy, as we have all learned to expect less.

There is an enormous benefit underneath the cash flow issues this December. It gets us to focus not on material items, but on each other. Family, love, and togetherness will be the most joyful, most wonderful treasure of all.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Elliott.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.