Here’s a blurb from Chain Store Age about what people say they are buying. For the full story, here is the (link):

Robust sales of electronics is a bright spot this holiday shopping season as consumers rush to cash in on bargains, especially on flat-panel TV sets, according to the Christmas Retail Survey conducted by America’s Research Group (ARG) and UBS.
In fact, for the first time in over 25 years, electronics are virtually tied with toys as the top Christmas gift item, the survey found. When asked to name the gift item they were buying most often, 30.0% of consumers this year said “electronics,” while 30.8% said “toys.” The same question received a very different answer last year with only 23.7% naming “electronics” and 33.8% “toys.”

Looking at the push by retailers, I’m hearing/seeing way more marketing of electronics, especially video games. That and fragrances; this is apparently the only time of year people buy that stuff, because I can’t remember it ever being advertised any other time.