Computers Outrank Peace/Happiness for Top Holiday Gift

What’s your top most wished-for holiday gift? A new national survey suggests that Americans favor computers first, peace and happiness second, big screen televisions third, followed by clothes and then money. 

The survey, conducted (no surprise) by the Consumer Electronics Association, also shows that consumers will be spending on average $358 per household on gadget gifts this holiday season. Portable music players are expected to lead the pack here.

According to a report on MSNBC, retailers, buoyed by such indications, already are expecting fourth quarter electronics sales to rise 7% to $48.1 billion, compared to $44.8 billion a year ago. The overall retail industry is expecting holiday sales to grow by 4%, according to the National Retail Federation.

If this is any indication, you better start shopping early – or be prepared for long holiday shopping lines at retail outlets.