With the holidays practically around the corner, recent research from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) indicated that  we can look forward to a ‘digital holiday’, as consumer electronics gifts are in highest demand. The research also elaborated that amongst electronics, tablets are most desired.

Despite the gloomy global economy, the CEA's 18th annual consumer electronics holiday purchase patterns study indicated that spending on electronic gifts will reach an all time high in the month ahead, and will account for one-third of all holiday gift spending.

According to the research, users plan to spend on average $246 (R2000) on electronics gifts, an increase of 6% from last year and the highest level since the CEA began tracking holiday spending.

"Consumer electronics continue to play a leading role in holiday shopping, with consumer tech clearly being a go-to category for holiday gift spending," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and director of research.

"After months of depressed consumer confidence, individuals are indicating they plan to spend this holiday and are looking for technology, as more adults will buy consumer electronics as a gift this year as compared to last year," he continued.

Peace and Happiness - or a notebook computer

According to the CEA, computing products will lead the way this holiday season. Tablet computers trail only clothes as the most wanted gifts overall. Notebook computers are also high on the list, along with peace/happiness and money. When it comes to electronics, behind tablets and notebooks, TVs (any type), e-Readers and video game consoles are the most wanted electronic gifts.

"It is going to be a computing holiday season, with tablets looking to be the run-away success story," added DuBravac. "New, innovative product categories like tablets and e-readers, combined with consistent favourites like notebook computers, video game consoles and televisions, will make this a digital holiday season. But the economic landscape will have consumers searching for value, hunting for these technologies at attractive prices."

Season of giving

The research also found that electronics accessories and gift cards will similarly be popular gifts this holiday, citing that four out of five adults plan to give a gift card this year, up 5% from last year, many of them for digital content and services.

Additionally, the association found that one in four users plan to give a gift card that can be used for digital music purchases, one in five for electronic book purchases and 16% for app purchases.

Price is king

While price is set to be the most important factor as people decide where to buy their CE gifts, the ease of making a purchase and return policies are also important purchasing factors.

The 18th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Pattern Study was conducted in September 2011. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, which looks at sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry.