Anne Shanks, of Mosgiel, takes a moment from her busy
Christmas shopping schedule to look at decorations while at
Arthur Barnett's yesterday. Photo by Craig Baxter.
When it comes to sitting on Santa's knee, what people ask
for Christmas and what they actually get can often be two
different things.
But, this year, the lists for the most part seem to be
marrying.
Colmar Brunton's 2012 Christmas survey found the most popular
requests from males were tools/power tools (27%), vouchers
(27%), books/music (24%) and a tablet or an iPad (24%), while
the top female wishes were for new clothes (41%), vouchers
(41%), books/music (37%), jewellery (36%), perfume (30%) and
a tablet or an iPad (29%).
Colmar Brunton chief executive officer Jacqueline Ireland
said females generally had a longer wish list than males, and
for some females that included plastic surgery (10%),
lingerie (17%) and adult toys (5%).
With just six sleeps to go, the Otago Daily Times went
shopping to find out what gifts people are getting this
Christmas and discovered some men could be disappointed.
While they might be expecting a power tool, Mitre 10 Mega
marketing and merchandising manager Steven Loughrey said men
were just as likely to receive tins of fence and deck stain
or sleepers and pavers for backyard renovations.
He said it was a peculiar gift, but appropriate for the
season.
''Because it's summer, swimming pools, Sodastream and outdoor
furniture sales have skyrocketed compared with the rest of
the year.
''We hardly sell these things during the year.''
The top selling item was Sodastream products.
Farmers store manager Shelly Gilchrist said women's lingerie
was by far the fastest selling item.
''We've even got festive lingerie in red, with tassels and
sparkles.''
There had been a lot of kitchen appliances such as coffee
makers sold.
With an estimated 603,730 New Zealand children aged under 10
celebrating Christmas this year, toys are the best sellers.
Toyworld Dunedin owner Linda Verity said despite the
popularity of electronic items, perennial favourites such as
Lego, wooden dolls houses and Sylvanian Families remained on
the list of most popular toys.
''Lego is always at the top without exception - it always
will be. It's robust, it doesn't change, and it's not on a
screen.
''Parents like it because it gets kids using their hands and
their imaginations.''
Ms Verity said the 2012 top 10 list was similar to last year,
with only minor changes created by fashion and technology
updates.
''Technology seems to be the favourite for the decade because
they keep coming out with newer, bigger, flasher models.
''Sadly, board games are no longer popular,'' she said.
Top presents
Popular Christmas presents for children
1. Leapfrog Leap Pad 2.
2. Trash Pack Series 3.
3. Lego.
4. Furby Hot and Furby Cool.
5. Micro Chargers.
6. Sylvanian Families.
7. Lalaloopsy dolls.
8. Wooden dolls' houses.
9. Science kits.
10. Craft kits.
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