People might say that the true meaning of holidays like Christmas has been lost, but that doesn't worry the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). This year it's expecting consumer electronics to account for a quarter of all holiday gifts. So MP3 players and plasma TVs are right up there with Elmo and Barbie as things that will soon have bows on top. 

Results from the CES's recent 13th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns study indicate that gifts that fall into the consumer electronics category could reach as high as $21 billion this holiday season, up from $17 billion in 2005. The study also suggests that holiday spending (and probably post-holiday debt) may be up by as much as 14 percent this year. The survey tracked what will be on everyone's must-have list, and there is plenty to keep the Grinch away!

Lucky gift receivers will open a lot of digital devices, games and gadgets. TVs in all shapes and sizes will be under the tree. From LCD to DLP, all to see the marvels of HD. With camcorders, camera phones and Webcams to capture the glee. There will much playing on MP3, DVD,  PS3, Xbox 360 and just a bit of Wii.

As long as a fruitcake is nowhere in sight!

Post by Peter Suciu