Technology gift ideas on Santa's wish list
Televisions, laptop computers and smartphones are expected to be the most-requested technology gifts this holiday seasons, but gizmos such as drones are gaining traction on Santa Claus' list.
About 68 percent of U.S. adults, or 170 million people, intend to buy technology gifts, according to the annual research from the Consumer Technology Association. The trade organization projects a 1 percent boost in tech spending, reaching $96.8 billion, during the 2017 holiday sales season measured from October to December.
What's expected to be the hottest items on gift lists has been compiled in the technology association's research. On the top 10 list, in descending order, are televisions, laptops, smartphones, computer tablets, video game consoles, smartwatches, cameras, drones, fitness activity trackers and home robotic vacuums.
Shoppers needing to fulfill the TV request may wind up looking to go with 4K Ultra HD with built-in Wi-Fi and computer connections. It's supposed to deliver four times the resolution of high definition and allow viewers to sit closer to a TV while receiving a movie theater-like experience.
Emerging tech, such as the drones, is expected to account for a record 79 million purchases by adults during the holiday season, according to the technology association's report. The association's CEO and president, Gary Shapiro, took note of the trend in a statement.
"The 2017 holiday season will be the biggest on record for consumer tech - and emerging products such as drones, wearables and smart home products will help drive tech spending to new levels," Shapiro said.
One smartphone expected to be in demand is Apple's new iPhone X. It also is most likely those iPhones will be purchased at retailers, such as the Apple Stores in Deer Park, Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg.
Although more consumers than ever, at 59 percent, are projected to shop for tech gifts online, 79 percent likely will visit physical stores for the devices. The technology association's report says the rise in branded shops, such as those from Apple and Microsoft, are the reason bricks-and-mortar buying is expected to rise by 5 percentage points.
In a National Retail Federation report released in late October, projections were that gift cards remain the most popular items on wish lists for the 11th consecutive year. About 61 percent of those surveyed said they'd want gift cards.
Roughly 33 percent of survey respondents said they plan to ask for consumer electronics, according to the retail federation.