Each year shoppers scramble to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. But what happens when they don't know what to buy?

Over the last seven days the 'Gifts' category has seen an increase in gift 'idea' terms on Google Insights for Search as users search on broad categories to find the perfect gift:


What does this mean for advertisers? Make sure your ads address the consumer need for gifting ideas. Write ads that state your major product offerings, but also let them know that you have ideas to help them narrow down their gift options. Also, make sure your website is optimized for indecisive buyers. Options to look for gifts by recipient ('Gifts for Dad,' 'Gifts for Wife,' etc), interest (sports, biking, reading, film, etc.) or price point are all popular ways to help shoppers find the right present.

While some consumers will need help finding the right gift, others know exactly what to buy. While some people are cutting back and looking for creative gifting opportunities, as evidenced by the rise in searches for homemade holiday gifts, others are buying practical, large-ticket items that can be used for years. Seaches for netbooks are up more than 60% over last year and searches for mini notebook computers are up by more than 70% over last year. If you offer a wide selection of price points, don't shy away from marketing large ticket items, but be sure to position their longevity and practicality.

Some classic kids toys (Barbie, Nerf, bicycles) will remain popular gifts, but there is growing demand for trendy, new toys this year. Zhu zhu pets searches are up 75% since October, as parents across the US scramble to find the 'must have' electronic hamsters. Not surprisingly, Twilight gifts will be extremely popular, as searches for Twilight dolls are on the rise, and searches for the Twilight soundtrack are 20% higher than those for High School Musical and the Hannah Montana soundtrack.