ALL I (DON’T) WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A LADY SHAVER

• Research reveals top gadget gaffs to avoid this Christmas
• The Gadget Show’s Jon Bentley provides tech buying tips

Technology is topping our wish lists this Christmas, but new research reveals as many as £1 billion worth of unwanted gadget gifts could be destined for the scrap heap by the New Year. A survey commissioned by the British Video Association (BVA) shows one in three of us (31%) have received electronic gadgets for Christmas we never – or hardly ever – use.

Top gadget gaffs to avoid

The survey of almost 2,000 Brits asked respondents to detail their unused and unwanted gifts. Amongst the top gadget gaffs to avoid this Christmas are:

• Digital photo frames
• Foot spas
• Blenders
• Digital organisers
• Electronic Sudoku games
• Coffee machines
• Digital radios
• Electric shavers
• Electric toothbrushes
• Bread makers

Other unpopular horrors lurking under the tree include; lady shavers, desk top vacuum cleaners, candy floss machines, yogurt makers, electric shoe polishers, shrink wrap machines and even electronic facial brushes.

What to look for
Those who have been given a gadget at Christmas that they never or hardly ever use revealed the reasons for shunning these techno ‘treats’ include; not having time to use them (39%), not seeing the point of them (23%), not liking them (18%), not wanting to keep cleaning them (10%), and (for a lazy few who didn’t read the instructions) not knowing how to use them (7%).

Jon Bentley, The Gadget Show presenter, said: "While the perfect gadget gift is a personal thing, there are some general rules of thumb to getting it right. A product that’s worthwhile and likely to be satisfying rather than a gimmick that seems clever at the time is a good bet, such as games consoles that let you play Blu-rays and DVDs as well as games, or internet-enabled mobile phones. Also, gadgets that improve recipients' experience of something they already enjoy, such as an electronic book reader."

Simon Heller, a spokesman for the British Video Association, said: “Many of the gadget gaffs cited by our study are gifts that have a lot of novelty appeal, but perhaps a limited shelf life. A candy-floss maker is great for beating those Boxing Day blues, but a games console or 3D Blu-ray player are future-proof. They’re gifts you’ll go back to all year round.”

With more than a third of Brits set to buy their loved-ones gadgets this Christmas (34%), the British Video Association has teamed up with The Gadget Show’s Jon Bentley to help shoppers avoid any festive faux-pas by putting together his list of the hottest gadget gifts around this Christmas.

Jon Bentley’s Ten Most Wanted

• Blu-ray player: Blu-ray players have come down in price considerably over the last year. You can now find them from as little as £59. They’re a great way to enjoy that high definition cinema quality experience in your home, plus you can still use them to play all your old DVDs. If you can afford to pay a bit more, 3D Blu-ray players are a future proof choice, as more distributors / film and TV companies look set to release their titles in 3D. Prices for 3D Blu-ray players currently start from around £150. But remember, you’ll also need a 3D TV!

• Samsung Galaxy Tab: This is a cutting-edge, multi-purpose device that is set to be one of the most popular gadgets on Christmas lists this year, whatever your age. It doubles up as an e-reader, and has a front-facing camera that allows you to make video calls. Prices start from around £529 for the handset (also available on contract).
 

• Amazon Kindle: The Kindle offers the most realistic reading experience available. It allows you to hold up to 3,500 books and magazines, and its built in WiFi means that you can browse and buy books whenever you like. Guaranteed to keep bookworms content! Prices start at around £109.
 

• Sony PlayStation 3: Games consoles always top the Christmas most-requested lists. The PS3 is not just the ultimate high-definition gaming experience, but has a built-in Blu-ray disc drive which allows you to watch movies, listen to music and online services. It’s a great all-rounder. Plus, you get can now get a free, 3D software update to enjoy your films and games in 3D. Prices start at around £220.
 

• Sony Cybershot WX5 camera: This will make any amateur photographer smile on Christmas morning. It’s an intelligent camera with the ability to capture full 1080p HD video, as well as its Sweep Multi-Angle function which allows you to create a 3D effect. Prices start at around £279.
 

• HTC Desire HD Phone: A savvy Android smartphone with enhanced multi-media features. Its 8.0-megapixel camera and HD 720p video record means you can capture everything in glorious HD. Prices start from around £470 for handset (also available on contract).
 

• iPod Touch: The iPod touch is the ultimate and affordable digital media player. As well as listening to your favourite music, it allows you to watch films, browse the internet, download apps and chat to your friends via its front-facing using FaceTime. Prices start from around £189.
 

• Sky+ box with HD subscription: With the HD subscription service getting bigger and better, as well as free 3D channels available, it’s time to go HD. As HDTVs are on the increase, complete the cinema at home experience. Prices start from around £29.
And finally... the blow the budget options!

• 3D Plasma TV: If money is no object and you want to spend a bit more on your loved one, then a 3D Plasma TV is future proof and the ultimate home cinema luxury. Prices start at around £970.
 

• MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a netbook style laptop that is light, tough and sophisticated. It combines features of the iPhone and iPad. Prices start from around £899 (11” version), £1,349 (13” model).

- Ends -

For more information, please contact Caspar Nixon or Lucy Morgan at Blue Rubicon
Tel: 0207 260 2700
Email: Blu-ray@bluerubicon.com
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1983 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th - 11th October 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Notes to editor:
• The British Video Association (BVA) conducted research with 2,000 people via YouGov during October 2010.
• Blue Rubicon calculations reveal that the average amount spent on an unused gadget is £88.75. Blue Rubicon calculated the figure from the average cost of the electronic gadgets those asked said they had never or hardly ever used. Out of an adult population of approximately 40 million, 31% claimed to have been given a gadget that they never or hardly ever use. This amounts to an estimated value of £1,100,500,000 unwanted gadgets in the UK.