Smartphones and iPads 'top gifts this Christmas'

Many people will be looking for cheap iPads and the latest HTC smartphones this festive period.

This is according to Lucy Hedges, a TV presenter on the BBC's Something For The Weekend and technology writer for Stuff magazine, who stated that gadgets will be among the most popular presents this Christmas.

"The iPad is definitely something that will be at the top of a lot of Christmas wish lists this year," she said.

She explained that the devices had become more popular as technology has developed and now the handsets and tablets are capable of playing movies and music, as well as offering a first-class gaming experience.

The popularity of cheap gaming apps is meaning that the sales of many traditional gifts such as computer games are suffering, Ms Hedges added.

A recent survey by the UK Cards Association found people are set to spend 14 per cent more on internet sites than they did last Christmas.