(ARA) - Despite the fact that the holiday season appears to start earlier each year, consumers still can’t seem to get a jump on their gift shopping. With an ever growing list of people to buy for, it can be a major ordeal when factoring in crowded mall parking lots, long lines at the cash register and excessive shipping and handling charges for online purchases.

According to survey data from the National Retail Federation, a whopping 30.8 million people had yet to start their shopping by mid-December last year (2005 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey). And this figure keeps growing each year, while the number of those finished or are at least 90 percent done keep decreasing.

“In recent years, retail spending during the last week before Christmas has spiked, demonstrating that more and more consumers are waiting until the last minute to do their holiday shopping,” said Reyne Rice, a toy trends specialist. “Although we know parents are very busy and strapped for time, there are still a lot of procrastinating parents. Either way, they’re risking lower inventory and higher prices when shopping for gifts for the kids.”

“The problem will be amplified this holiday season, with Hanukkah hitting mid-December,” adds Rice. “Gift-givers will be battling for limited availability on hot new products that are already predicted to be in brisk demand.”

Parents who do procrastinate, however, should know that a few simple tips can help them come out on top after the presents are unwrapped. Here are a few things for consumers to keep in mind to simplify their holiday shopping this year:

  1. Ask your child to make a wish list. Or, if your young child is already a Power Rangers fan, and they most likely are, have him log on to www.getpowerized.com. The Web site features a function where kids can select and then print out a wish list of all the action figures, vehicles, playsets and role-play toys they want. A perennial favorite among boys 3 to 5 years old, Power Rangers toys offer a large selection at a wide range of prices, they’re easy to find no matter where you shop, and they keep kids engaged with lots of imaginative play.
  2. Shop online at “kid-centric” sites. For example, Cartoon Network.com makes it easy to find toys based on popular TV shows, like Ben 10. This series follows the adventures of 10-year old hero Ben Tennyson as he tackles evil with his alien device called the Omnitrix. Kids can bring the fun alien adventures home with one-of-a-kind action figures, vehicles, a playset that doubles as an alien laboratory, and a role-play Omnitrix similar to Ben’s.
  3. Handheld electronics make great stocking stuffers. Tech toys are still a hot trend in the tween age category this year. So, for those who are “in the know” on the playground, they’ll most likely ask for the Tamagotchi Connection Version 3 virtual pet. Handheld and portable, this Tamagotchi connects to a Web site called www.TamaTown.com, where kids can explore the magical world of the Tamagotchi characters. There are lots of cool design styles to choose from, as well as lanyards and charms to decorate the virtual pet, so fill a stocking with lots of these goodies.
  4. Don’t break the bank when it comes to video games. While video games remain ever popular with older kids, skip the new and very expensive consoles for now and go with the Nintendo DS Lite. This newer version is much lighter than its predecessor and comes in three colors, white, pink and black. Games aren’t that pricy either and range from the whimsical to the educational. And the DS won’t break the bank at only $130.
  5. DVDs can help pass the time, as well as entertain for months to come. Pop one into the car’s entertainment system on a holiday road trip, or gather together as a family on Christmas night and watch something that everyone can enjoy. DVDs are still a very popular choice for kids and all their favorite TV shows offer them, including Power Rangers, Teen Titans and Scooby Doo, as well as feature length films like Over the Hedge.
  6. Still stumped? Go with a gift card. When in doubt, a gift card for any child in your life – no matter the age – can make them happy since they can buy whatever they want. It can also take the edge off the holiday stress and let you cross more names off your list.

All the above gift ideas can be found online and at all major retailers nationwide. But don’t wait and procrastinate, or consumers might find themselves missing out on all the hottest toys, games and trends that the kids want this holiday season. Happy shopping!
Courtesy of ARA Content