"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." Yes, these are the lyrics from the popular Bing Crosby song but it's actually kind of true. If you've been in any retail store lately, you've noticed the holiday merchandise that's starting to appear alongside the Halloween decor. That's all a part of retailer's strategic plan. According to the National Retail Association, 40% of shoppers will start their holiday shopping before Halloween.

Is it just me or does holiday merchandise seem to appear earlier and earlier each year? Well AOL Consumer Advisor, Regina Lewis deemed this trend as the 'Christmas Creep.' That's when retailers bring out their Christmas items earlier to cater to two types of shoppers: people who have to plan their purchases and impulse shoppers.

This past weekend, Regina Lewis was featured on 'The Today Show' and offered some helpful holiday shopping tips and listed some of this year's hottest gift ideas. Check out the video below...

To be honest, I usually wait until the last minute to do my holiday shopping (eventhough every year I vow to get a head start in Sept./Oct.). Once I do start shopping, I tend to spot deals on things that I want to get for myself, especially when it comes to shoes, gadgets/electronics, accessories and clothes.

So before I even hit the malls for Holiday shopping, I compiled a list of the top 12 gifts on my wishlist. I certainly don't need everything on this list but a girl can wish right?! Hopefully, it will help me stay on track when it comes to buying gifts for others.

V. Harley - AOL Shopping


Amazon announced the upcoming release of the Kindle DX (it will be available in the summer) on Wed, May 6 at Pace University in New York City. What's so different about this version?

If you travel a lot, you know that it's more important than ever to pack light. For one thing, airlines will charge you an arm and a leg for overweight or extra bags, and you get less space for your carryons, too. More carryon luggage also makes getting through security a real pain, so anything that makes your bags less bulky is a plus.

That's why frequent fliers will love the Kindle Wireless Reading Device. For approximately $10 per title, you can download books onto this lightweight electronic reader, as well as news and blogs and anything else you'd like to read on the go. Reading on the Kindle won't strain your eyes like a computer screen -- the electronic paper display is designed to be just like reading ink on a page.

The Kindle has plenty of storage space for all the reading material you could possibly want for your next trip, but if you run out, don't worry -- you can access the Kindle store and download more titles from just about anywhere. The store offers free book previews, where you can read the first few chapters of any book before buying, just like you might do in a real bookstore. Unlike other electronics, the Kindle won't overheat, so it's comfortable to hold in your hands as long as you want to read, and is designed for easy use by both lefties and righties.

The Kindle would be a great gift for anyone who travels frequently. I know my luggage would be a lot lighter if I never had to pack another book.

*Please note, the Kindle is currently sold out but check back for updates.

- From the Editors at Netscape

What do "maverick," "staycation," and "green" have in common? They should all be banned! So say the guardians of the English language, whose day jobs are at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This group annually takes on the role of word police by collecting a list of words and phrases that we have used so much they have become annoying. The solution? Ban them!

Researching Nintendo Wii prices and buying a Wii is one thing. Knowing the tricks to maximum Wii fun, is entirely different. We've done our homework on the hardware for Nintendo's infamous Wii, and one thing is clear; the Wii console offers something for everyone.

One of the loftiest goals in the video game world has nothing to do with graphics, game play or even a quality soundtrack. It has to do with two words: "bragging rights." What's the point in earning that high score in Pac Man or that ultimate birdie in Tiger Woods if no one is there to bask in your glory? Thanks to online gaming platforms like Xbox Live, you'll always have a cheering audience for your many virtual accomplishments!