More Shoppers Will Be Buying Holiday Gifts Online, Says National Retail Federation

Albuquerque, New Mexico (PRWEB) November 10, 2011

A new survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) has website merchants saying, Ho, ho ho!

The NRF predicts that more holiday shoppers will be buying gifts from the comfort of their computers and mobile phones. According to the trade group, 46.7% of consumers plan to purchase holiday items online this season, up from 43.9% a year ago. Plus, these online shoppers will spend more than the typical bricks-and-mortal retail shopper. Web shoppers will spend an average of $ 857.59 on gifts and seasonal merchandise21.7% more than the average retail consumer.

Online spending is growing because the newest and most interesting items are available online before they appear in retail stores, says Randall Schultz of Schultz Communications, a marketing consulting firm. The tired old gift choices are not going to excite anyone in the iPad era.

Schultz Communications (http://www.schultzpr.com) has reviewed hundreds of home and garden gift items, and it has released its Top 8 list of the most appealing holiday gifts for online shoppers. And the winners are

TOP HOME AND GARDEN GIFT IDEAS FOR ONLINE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

SOLAR POWERED ROCK SPOTLIGHT KEY HOLDER

Heres a genuine rock star for your yard and garden. The Rock Spotlight is a great way to brighten up your nighttime garden. The spotlight is solar powered, so you can place it in any sunny spot without having to hassle with extension cords and power outlets. The solar panels charge the rechargeable batteries (which are included). The energy-efficient white LEDs will then light up at night. But wait, theres more. The Solar-Powered Rock Spotlight also has a hidden compartment where you can store keys. Now you never have to worry about lost house keys, shed keys, pool keys and. well, you get the idea. Store a spare key for the kids, and rock out all night. The secret key compartment is hidden in the bottom of a durable realistic-looking polyresin rock. The high quality LEDs never need to be replaced. $ 29.95 from http://www.naturehills.com.

A LIVING GIFT THAT DOUBLES AS AN ORNAMENT

If youre looking for a unique holiday gift, this lovely hanging terrarium is the ticket. The Glass Globe Tillandsia Terrarium is an attractive living arrangement for a kitchen, covered porch, or anywhere there is indirect light. This delightful Glass Globe Tillandsia Terrarium can even be hung as an ornament on a Christmas tree. Inside the glass globe are three lovely Tillandsia plants: a red Capitata Select, a feathery green Tillandsia Ionantha and a silver-gray Harrisii. The glass globe, which measures six inches in diameter, has a two-inch front opening to remove the plants for watering. Just soak the easy-to-care-for plants in water once a week to ensure their optimum health. Includes a monofilament cord for hanging. Available for $ 39.95 from Logees, (888) 330-8038 or http://www.logees.com.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE WITH A LIGHTED COLLAR

If youre one of those people who gives your dog a Christmas present, check this out. Now theres a new, high-tech collar that keeps your pets safeyou could even say they glow. The Deluxe Visiglo Blue Nylon Collar with Blue LEDs literally glows in the dark. The bright, energy-efficient LED lights are VERY VISIBLE at night to keep you and your dog safe. Your four-legged friend can stand out from the pack”and you will have the peace of mind knowing that you are keeping your pet safe. The Visiglo lighted pet collar is available in three sizes: Small fits 10″-14″ neck, Medium fits 13″-20″ neck, Large fits 16″-26″ neck. $ 24.95 from NatureHills.com. http://www.naturehills.com/product/deluxe_visiglo_blue_nylon_collar_with_blue_leds.aspx

BIRD WATCHING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Ever since John James Audubon began publishing his amazing full-color drawings of Americas birds in 1827, bird watching has been a popular hobby. Today, thanks in no small part to Mr. Audubon, backyard bird watching is enjoyed by millions of Americans. With 21st century technology, photographing the birds that visit backyard birdbaths or bird feeders has never been easier. The innovative Audubon BirdCam takes crystal-clear digital photos and videos of birds automatically (even when youre not watching). The motion-activated camera is smart enough to take photos only when birds are present. It records to an SD card or internal memory (32MB) and makes it easy to e-mail or print your images. No tools, wiring, or additional software is required. The Audubon BirdCam is weatherproof and rugged enough for years of outdoor use. The whole family will be amazed by what’s going on in your own backyard. The Audubon BirdCam sells for $ 159.95 from http://www.wingscapes.com.

TAPESTRY SUNFLOWER TRIVET

Looking for a great gift for a friend or family member? You cant go wrong with a Tapestry Sunflower Trivet. This trivet is attractive AND its tough enough for everyday use. The image is permanently placed on a natural stone tile for a durable piece that you will enjoy for years. This trivet is heat, water and weather resistant, so it can be used indoors or out. Great for use as a hot-put under, and it can also be used as wall decor, garden art — or use several as accent tiles for backsplashes or in any tile work. Each trivet tile has rubber feet for scratch-free use on tables. There is also a hole on the back that makes it easy to hang the tile as decoration. Measures 6 inches by 6 inches. $ 22.99 from http://www.naturehills.com. The Tapestry Sunflower image is also available as a set of four coasters for $ 36.99.

GROW PLANTS VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE

The MiniGarden is an innovative modular growing container that brings a vegetable plot, herb garden, flower garden or decorative living wall virtually anywhere. Perfect for urban dwellers and suburbanites alike, MiniGardens unique system of modules creates a self-contained vertical structure. Each MiniGarden kit includes three modules, which each have three planting pockets. So each MiniGar