Surprise — talking fish and scooters are hot gifts this year, and the holiday shopping season is in full swing. The stores are packed with spirited shoppers. Grandmothers are throwing sharp elbows in Mervyn’s. Children are getting mugged for their PlayStation2s, and Furbys, last year’s big hit, are on clearance at Rite-Aid.
All the new gizmos are on the shelves, and that means goodbye savings account.
So what do college students want this holiday season?
Kate Garoutte-Smith, a sales employee at Spencer Gifts in the Gateway Mall, said the big sellers this year for the age group are lava lamps, fart machines and singing fish.
“Those are our top sellers by far this year,” Garoutte-Smith said. “Scooters are also pretty big this season.”
Deven Morganstern, a junior political science major, said electronics are at the top of his list.
“A home entertainment system would be real nice, but that’s probably a little pricey,” he said.
Employees at Game Crazy in the Gateway Mall said Sega Dreamcasts are selling quickly.
“Lately, we have been selling at least one Dreamcast every day,” said Patrick Leonard, a Game Crazy employee. “And as far as games go, Shenmue and Tony Hawk 2 are the ones everyone wants.”
Not all students are interested in high-tech toys. Britton Kiefer, a junior psychology major, said he wants gifts that take him to the outdoors.
“I’m asking for a surfboard for the summer, and some warm clothes I can wear outdoors during the winter,” Kiefer said.
Some students don’t even know what to ask for.
“I have no idea what I want this year,” said Ben Cordell, an undeclared freshman.
For many students, money tops their wish lists. Wishfully thinking students also said they wouldn’t mind receiving cars, computers, car stereos with CD players or some leather pants.
Where do you go to get all this stuff? The malls have most of the items.
If you can’t stand the packed aisles, screaming children and crowded stores, you might want to try shopping online. Online shopping offers competitive prices and just about every store you can think of without the craziness of going out.
With this in mind, you are ready to go shopping for the college students on your list or for yourself.
If these suggestions don’t spark any ideas, or you can’t afford anything listed, try a Chia Pet. You can’t go wrong there.