DALLAS -- With Christmas just four days away, 7-Eleven offers a multitude of gift ideas for the harried shopper. A press release from the convenience store chain highlights possible gifts for the entire family.

• SpeakOut Wireless phones are "perfect for parents, who have the ability to control costs through the prepaid phone card arrangement"
• Slurpee Lights offers multicolored flickering lights on a 24-ounce cup for sipping "America's favorite frozen carbonated beverage"
• The Slurpee Drink Maker is "a great way for kids to create their own frozen concoctions"
• Gift cards from a variety of stores, such as JCPenney, Lowe's Home Improvements Stores, Circuit City, Blockbuster Video and Applebee's, can be purchased at 7-Eleven locations. 7-Eleven also offers its own branded gift cards
• Fresh-cut flowers are "a great way to brighten someone's day"
• Sales of each St. Jude teddy bear raises funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 7-Eleven donates $3 to St. Jude's for every bear sold
• Stocking stuffers include CDs, refillable stainless steel coffee mugs, trading and game cards, long-distance phone cards, Message M&M candies, Lifesaver Sweet Story Books, and candy in interactive toy dispensers featuring cartoon characters

7-Eleven isn't the only retailer expected gift card sales increases. A national online survey commissioned by Blackhawk Network, a provider of gift cards, found that more than 80 percent of recipients would prefer to do their own shopping with a gift card from a favorite store.

"It's not surprising that gift cards continue to grow in popularity each holiday season," said Blackhawk Network's Teri Llach in a press release. "People who gave or received them in previous years have enjoyed their experiences with them and have become repeat customers." 

Blackhawk Network pointed out that Consumer Reports cited in a recent survey that gift cards are second behind clothes as the most-desired holiday gift. Industry analysts expect gift card sales to reach $80 billion in 2006 with holiday purchases accounting for approximately 60 percent of those sales.