Electronics and technology top the wish lists of University of Memphis students this holiday season.
"Electronics are hot. People want palm pilots, different computer programs and video games," said Miska Shaw, public administration graduate student. "Christmas is more expensive to shop for this year because you have to pile all your money together to buy one really nice item instead of 10 cheap, boring items.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and other hand-held devices are also popular gift items among students."
"Besides clothes, I really want a Palm Pilot," said Robert Farmer, sophomore engineering major.
Senior Lauren Martin said she hopes to receive some electronics this gift-giving season.
"I would like to get an iPod, but chances are I won't get it," she said.
Local retailers said they are having trouble keeping their electronics departments stocked with trendy items.
"PlayStation games are a big hit," said Chris Clark, Wal-Mart sales associate. "DVD players and game systems are also selling pretty well."Other U of M students said they plan to skip shopping for gifts this year and be more creative with their gifts to loved ones.
"I've been so busy, so I haven't had time to shop," said junior Liz Russell, political science major. "I'll probably make my gifts so it'll be cheaper."
Joan Randle, senior fine arts major, said she plans to use her art skills to create presents for her family.
"I'll be making my Christmas gifts this year. I'm an artist and I do ceramics."
Finding more affordable alternatives for the holidays is a must for most college students and senior Kate Wichlinski, art history major, is no exception.
"I haven't been to a mall in almost a year," said Wichlinski. "I'll be buying subscriptions to magazines for all my friends this year."Even though many students may opt for more inexpensive or hand-made gifts, retailers should not be worried, according to the National Retailer Federation.
"Total holiday retail sales are projected to increase 4.5 percent over last holiday, bringing holiday spending to $219.9 billion," according to the NRF.
