Would you rather be remembered or appreciated this holiday?

Everyone has received a random present that has either been: re-gifted, thrown away, or put straight into the attic (for us pack rats), but without thinking, you do remember the person who got it for you when remembering the present. Some family members give you the same present every year thinking that you like it, and consequently, you may be re-gifting the same present every year to another friend, family member, or white elephant gift exchange. It seems as if the holiday season comes around, you begin shopping, and that one family member always comes to mind because you remember the random present they sent you one Holiday or begin to chuckle at the idea of getting another bath and body works holiday pack when you still haven't got one use of last year's package. Picture courtesy of USAWeekend.com


As I look at the results of what people want for the holidays, allow me to help you out by letting you in on the top items requested this year: electronics, clothes, and gift cards. These are the top answers across most ages groups and demographics (see all results on WhatisAverage.com for further detail and breakdown by age group and demographic). Since most recipients are that vague when explaining what they would like for the holidays, I find gift cards to be a good gift. Furthermore, since very few stores carry all of those under one retail roof, Visa Gift Cards and Amazon.com gift cards could be in high demand this year. With a gift card, you may not be remembered, but at least you will be appreciated.

I'm sure you would like to try to get them something personal to go along with the gift card, but you know it's a re-gift, trashcan, or attic spot just waiting to happen. Think to yourself, do you ever remember the person who gave you a gift card for the holidays? Sure you do, just like you remember what the message was on the Christmas card the gift card came in, but aren't they often the most appreciated thing you receive? I find it difficult to directly ask for anything, but I have no problem spending that gift card selfishly when no one is looking.  So it posses the question, “Would you rather be remembered or appreciated this holiday season?”

If you are looking for “to be remembered” ideas, I've listed some very popular items I've found to be requested in surveys, but just can't quite crack the top 10. They may be on the outside looking in, but definitely honorable mentions and a little more personable than gift cards if you don't mind the possible attic spot waiting to happen.

• Weeworld and Meez are online gaming communities that are very popular among males ages 13-17.
• Skinny Jeans were very popular for females ages 13-17.
• For males ages 25-34, a new TV and video games dominated the wish list, but if you happen to know a hobby he has, look at specific accessories in that area. Hunting gear, fishing gear, golf equipment, and workout equipment were requested quite a bit.
• Books were a favorite among females ages 25-34 but just missed the top 10. James Patterson and Dan Brown books seem to be very popular. If you know they enjoyed the Twilight Series books, check out The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris (True Blood Series on HBO).
• A camera, a new TV, and clothes dominated the results for males ages 35-44. There were many other answers and this was the most diverse group among the survey recipients. I would recommend a nice sweater, pullover, pajamas, or shirt of their favorite professional or collegiate team.
• While I've been told it's not good for husbands to buy wives items like a vacuum cleaner or microwave as presents, females ages 35-44 did request kitchen items like a food processor or “kitchen gadget” quite a bit. Diamonds, jewelry, and clothes were the most requested item for this group. 

Follow up survey: “Would you rather be remembered or appreciated this Holiday?”  A friendly reminder, no one on the site can see any answer you put to a survey.