Burnaby, BC – December 3, 2008 – With almost 60 per cent of Canadian consumers planning to purchase entertainment-related gifts this season, and another 47 per cent planning to purchase consumer electronics, Best Buy Canada is a must visit for Santa this holiday season.¹

But, we know Santa’s number one shopping rule this season is to stick to the budget!  This doesn’t mean consumer electronics and the hottest entertainment goods are off the list.  The Best Buy elves have picked their top 10 picks for affordable consumer electronics that won’t break the bank.
 
#10 – This year why not give the gift of music?  Our number 10 pick this holiday season is the Coby Clip Style MP3 Player for approximately $20.  For a special touch, you can even pre-load it with their favourite artist and songs (and Jingle Bells, for good measure)!

#9 – One of the hottest headphones on the market is, believe it or not, under $25.  Skullcandy Earbud Headphones not only have a cool name, but deliver amazing sound quality and are affordable too.  They come in a variety of colours and designs for everyone on your list.

#8 – Digital cameras have changed the face of photography; unfortunately they have also relegated many of our favorite photos to a file on our computers.  Free your favorites from the hard drive!  Our number 8 gift this season makes the perfect stocking stuffer.  A one and a half inch digital picture frame keychain - talk about a conversation starter, and all for around $20.

#7 – When Santa isn’t busy making his lists and checking them twice you can find him relaxing in front of his new HDTV.   If you’re willing to spend a bit more this season but still looking for a feel-good deal, there are some affordable options for all sizes of HDTV’s.  Number 7 on our list is the Sony 32” flat-panel LCD HDTV for under $700.

#6 – Sometimes the best gifts don’t come in the biggest boxes.  Gift cards are a great way to help people get what they really want, without forcing them to stand in the return line first. With almost two-thirds² of Canadians looking to give or receive a gift card this year, these are a great gift again this season available in all denominations, they never expire and can also be used online.

#5 –The holidays are all about staying connected with the ones we love; and what better way to stay connected than with a new BlackBerry Pearl 8220 flip phone.  For approximately $50 (on a three year contract) you can stay connected with the ones you love by text, e-mail, photo messaging and even talking to each other (does anyone do that anymore?!)

#4 – Over the holidays everyone wants to be with the ones they love, but if being there in person isn’t a possibility then our number four gift should be at the top of your list.  The Microsoft Life Cam is around $70 and will let you feel like you are in the same room, with image stabilization and face recognition.  This easy to use web camera will always bring you home.

#3 – It’s hard to find a wish list that doesn’t include something related to gaming, whether it’s accessories, a console, or the latest game titles.  Although it’s not brand new, we’re putting the Nintendo DS on our Top 10 list because it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck gaming products out there, and the game titles are among the most affordable.

#2 – Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”  What better way to capture life’s most interesting moments than with our number two gift:  the Insignia digital camera.  With 7.0 megapixels and 3x optical zoom this camera is packs quite a punch, and at less than $100 it won’t take a bite out of your holiday budget.

#1 – Laptops are always on people’s wish lists, but often way too pricey for Santa’s budget.  This year you don’t have to feel bad putting one at the top of your list - we’ll point Santa towards this one for under $400 from Acer.

“We know shoppers are extremely cost-conscious this year, but are still looking for the best gifts that get the best reactions,” said Loveena Chera, Director of Marketing, Best Buy Canada.  “Our top 10 gifts give Canadians affordable options that offer great value for money that their family and friends will be thrilled to find under the tree this year.”

Visit BestBuy.ca for a list of store locations, or to purchase any of the top 10 gifts online. Prices listed above are as of December 3, 2008.

¹Maritz Research Canada - Mon 24 Nov 2008
²Deloitte & Touche