Tablets and toys rule Christmas wishlists as retailers predict spending spree

ONE in five Australians plan to buy a connected device this Christmas, with tablets top of the wishlist as retailers predict a $42 billion national spending spree.

Tablets are top of the Christmas wishlist for Australians this year.

ONE in five Australians plan to buy a connected device this Christmas, with tablets top of the wishlist as retailers predict a $42 billion national spending spree.

The popular devices outrate smartphones, Smart TVs and laptops as the must-have tech gift under the tree this year, according to the Telstra Connected Home Index.

The Australian Retail Association also tips gaming consoles, iPads, other tablets and phones to be among the hottest items this Christmas, continuing a trend that saw a 40 per cent increase in sales for computer hardware and software from the Christmas 2011 shopping period to 2012.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said: "Both the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One are due to be released before the end of November - perfect timing for those starting their Christmas shopping early.

"Although the two are relatively similar gaming consoles, it is interesting to note that shoppers are almost twice as likely to purchase the Sony PlayStation 4 rather than the Microsoft Xbox One."

He added: "Overall, shoppers are expected to put $42.1 billion through retail tills from 14 November until 25 December, representing a 3.3 per cent gain on sales during the same period in 2012 ($40.7 billion)."

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When it comes to the kids there's still room for traditional favourites with a new "Empire" version of Monopoly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures and LEGO among Kmart's top picks this year, as well as water bombs and roller shoes.

But the trend for gadgets and technology spin-offs continues, with toy company Hasbro's list of top 12 toys for Christmas including the battery-powered playmates Furby, Big Hugs Elmo and My Giggly Monkey, as well as computer game spin-offs Bop it! Tetris and the Angry Birds Star Wars Telepods star destroyer battle set.

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Apple fans might be hoping for a iPad Air or iPad Mini with Retina screen, perhaps the iPhone 5S which was released in September or even a stocking filler like the $55 iPod Shuffle.

The new tablets on the market include the Microsoft Surface 2 and the Google Nexus 7 along with Amazon's Kindle range and new product from Lenovo.

The list of smartphones with a difference include the Galaxy Note 3 phablet, the Nexus 5, the HTC Max which is coming out soon and Sony's waterproof Xperia Z1.

And for something completely different, you might want to give that special someone a smartwatch, such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Sony SmartWatch 2.

SEARCHING for that perfect gift? Our experts have done the hard work for you. Check out our Top 100 Christmas Gifts.