'Tis the season to be jolly. So goes the famed saying that many have heard since birth. In many ways this illustrates how the holiday season is that special time of the year.
People smile, the ground is perfectly covered with just the right amount of snow, and, of course, loved ones are brought closer together.
However, all the smiles and affection can soon come to a screeching halt when it turns out that the person who was thought to love and care gives a gift that does not quite cut the mustard. The holiday season turns into the season to return that unwanted crappy gift.
Returning a gift is one of the most horrendous things, especially the day after Christmas (known as Boxing Day in Canada). Waiting in the long lines at Marshall's is usually when the anger begins to rise. A person is left with only one thing to say, "Grandpa, really. Why would I want a mulberry sweater?"
There is one way to prevent this unfortunate mishap from taking place. It does not involve any begging, crying, or any other forms of ways to lose pride. It is simple. Families need to know the right presents to purchase. Here is a list of the hot new products that are out for this upcoming season. This information alone will help prevent any bar-like brawl that might take place during the holiday dinner.
One of the better places to look for holiday gifts is Best Buy. Best Buy is the pinnacle when it comes to buying electronics, television paraphernalia, and audio accessories. Richard Lane, one of the managers at the Best Buy on Niagara Falls Boulevard, gave a list of the top items people are buying.
"iPod Minis are going fast. Both teenagers and adults love them," he said. The Apple 4 GB iPod Mini is a light MP3 player, 3.6 ounces to be exact. This little gadget, which comes in a variety of colors, means the owner will never be without his or her favorite tune. Holding up to 1,000 songs, the iPod mini sells for $249.
Best Buy also has a library of DVDs. The recent release of "Seinfeld" is one popular gift this season. This item has all the episodes from seasons one through three and contains plenty of extra bonus features. The "Seinfeld" set of DVDs is a little expensive at $90, but it's worth it to have America's most popular sitcom. Also recently available in a boxed set are the pair of "Spiderman" movies. These two discs come with a variety of bonus features as well, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the films.
Getting in touch with new technology is always a great way to start the new year. Verizon and Cingular each have come out with new styles for their cell phones. Verizon just came out with the new LG VX7000, and Cingular has the MOTO RAZR V3. Both phones grab the eye.
For people who have younger siblings, Toys 'R Us is still the best bet. Justin Boruchov, manager of the Toys 'R Us in Times Square, says that the Xbox and Playstation 2 are still some of the most sold items for all ages. Boruchov said people love "Madden 2005," "Halo 2" and "ESPN Basketball 2K5" this year.
He said great gifts for toddlers ages two through seven include the Nickelodeon television shows on DVD. He mentions some of the kids' favorites are "Blues Clues," "Dora the Explorer," and "Bob the Builder."
There are plenty of great gifts that can be purchased this holiday season. Choosing the perfect gift, whether you have a list of consumer items or not, is a tough process. When going into a big department store, ask them questions.
