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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Shoppers Turn to Funny, Useful Gifts

Boots, joke books, comfort clothes score big in recession

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(Newser) – Christmas shoppers are thinking small this year, and the gifts they're buying reveal how Americans are coping with recession, USA Today reports. Here's a list of today's trends:

  • Practical: Nearly half of the most popular items searched for online were boots, according to one mall inventory service. Gifts that help people organize and save time, like USB flash drives, are also popular.

  • Good quality: Gold sales are up this year and pearl jewelry sales have risen more than 110% over the past 2 years.
  • Comfortable: Cuddly toys and clothes with "plush fabrics" are selling better this Christmas.
  • Comic relief: Humor is on a hot streak. Joke books and lava lamps are among one company's best sellers.

Boots are sturdy and practical, and selling big in the recession.
Boots are sturdy and practical, and selling big in the recession.
Lava lamps remain popular items with one gifts seller.
Lava lamps remain popular items with one gifts seller.   (Shutterstock)
Time-saving and organizing are big priorities this year, making flash drives a popular gift choice.
Time-saving and organizing are big priorities this year, making flash drives a popular gift choice.
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