What's Hot Gift Guide 2011

iPad 2

Apple has dominated this list over the last few years and that continues into 2011 with their new iPad 2. There's other tablets out there, but so far none has matched the popularity of the iPad.

Pillow Pets

Pillow Pets are another one of those "Wish I had thought of that" products. Great concept -- a pillow and a stuffed animal in one. These have been getting great reviews for their quality and young kids love them. Recommended age is 3 and up.

Shoes With Toes

One is left to wonder what took so long for shoes with toes to hit the market. This new shoe design provides a more natural foot position, doesn't constrain your feet, and helps to reduce jarring on your heels when you walk.

Story Cubes

Whether Story Cubes are used as an ice breaker for a party or as a developmental aide for a child, this game simple to learn and surprisingly fun. Having small parts, it is a choking hazard and is not for children under 3 years of age.

Just Sayin'

It's hard to read through forum posts or comments on articles nowadays without getting a healthy dose of the just sayin' catch phrase after someone feels that they've made a controversial point. Hopefully, this phrase will run it's course. Just sayin'.

Gold

Since 2009, gold has zoomed from under $900 an ounce to over $1,800. Gold mania is a hot topic from the investment world to the "We buy Gold" commercials, and even gold parties where you can sell your "spare" gold. With the nice appreciation, the gift of gold definitely makes a statement.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

The reviews of Call of Duty: Black Ops game are 3.5 on Amazon, though if you check with most any tween-age/early teen boy who is into video games, they either have it or they want it.

Honorable Mention: Minecraft has been coming on really strong within this age group as of late.

Harry Potter

The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 was released on July 15th and was one of the biggest and most anticipated films of the year, if not the decade. And, it's certain to spur big demand for anything Harry Potter this holiday season.

Romantic Coupons

What started out as a clever idea done on home computers has become a hot gift item for couples found in online gift stores. Bedroom Bucks, Why I Love You Coupons, and Love Coupons are a few of the many examples. You can find a free version of romantic coupons here.

Groupon

Groupon and Living Social are rising stars and make great gifts for the hard to buy for.

Nintendo 3DS

Over the past few years, the Nintendo DS line has been a popular choice. Now with 3D (no glasses needed) and motion and gyro sensors, early indications are that the 3DS will extend that trend. The 3D effect is good and the technology behind it is equally cool.

Moscato Wine

With the help of growing popularity in the Hip-Hop community, Muscato wine, once a little known wine type, has become quite popular. This sweet-tasting wine known as one of the better dessert wines, has seen it's sales increase over 5-fold in the last 3 years.

Smart Phones

In the past, this spot would usually be the latest iPhone. Recently, the smart phone field has become much more competitive with the Android offerings. There's also Blackberry and Windows 7, though those haven't gained nearly the traction as iPhone and Android. These are popular with tweens through adult.

Protesters

Reminiscent of the late 1960s, 2011 turned into the year of the Protester. While the causes varied -- anti-business, pro-union, etc. -- the common thread for 2011 was protesters who wouldn't go home. Hence, our recommendation of the small tent for your favorite demonstrator.