Gift giving has turned high-tech - the days of a tie for Ted and slippers for Aunt Susie are being replaced with an array of gear and gadgets. Whether buying for a six- year-old, 26-year-old or 66-year-old, electronics are the name of the game this year. Once the domain of the tech-savvy, high-tech gifts are going mainstream.

According to a recent Digital Life in America survey from Ziff Davis Media, there has been an overall increase in consumer electronics interest, with 16% of Americans planning to buy a digital camera and 9% planning to buy an MP3 player before the end of 2006. That equates to millions of electronic devices.

Advances in technology have made items such as digital cameras, video game consoles, MP3 players and digital video recorders available in a wide range of prices to fit almost any budget. Since almost everyone has embraced this new age of technology, it is easy to make useful and fun high-tech electronics the perfect gift.

Digital cameras are easy to use and perfect for almost any age. Younger children still like video game consoles and players, with wireless controllers becoming the rage in the newest game consoles. In addition, preteens, teens and many adults desire MP3 players.

How to power these battery hungry high-tech devices is a question on many people's minds. Battery manufacturers like Energizer have been focused on this challenge for years and have answered the call with lithium AA and AAA batteries. Used widely by professional photographers, the mainstream is now discovering them as well. Energizer e2 Lithium batteries last up to seven times longer than the leading ordinary alkaline batteries in digital cameras*. For example, in many cameras, Energizer e2 Lithium batteries can take up to 600 photos, while leading ordinary alkaline batteries will only take up to 90 photos. That is a difference to take note of, not to mention the convenience of not changing batteries as often. Even when you factor in the higher cost for lithium AA and AAA batteries, they are still the smart way to go - 1.6 cents a shot versus 4.3 cents for the leading ordinary alkaline.

Gratifying Gift-Giving Checklist

• Do your homework. Research high- tech gifts online; then visit local retailers to compare quality, value, function and price.
• Double-check your family's and friends' wish lists. When purchasing a high-tech gadget such as a digital camera, CD player or digital video recorder, make certain that is the item the person truly wants. It can be difficult to exchange or return electronics.
• Set your budget. Then, purchase the items that meet your expectations and your budget.
• Accessorize your buys. When you buy an electronic gift such as a digital camera or MP3 player, include necessary accessories that will maximize your gift giving, such as headphones, carrying cases and extra cables.
• Choose batteries carefully. Pick batteries that can keep up with the higher power demands of these devices, such as Energizer e2 Lithium batteries.
• Keep extras on hand. Stock up on extra batteries in case someone else forgets to buy them or needs to replace them in an electronic device they already own, such as a camera.
• Take time to enjoy giving your gifts. Gift giving is heartwarming, especially when it is thoughtfully planned. Perhaps you will want to have your digital camera or digital video recorder on hand so you can capture the moment.