Poll: Is cash tops on your gift lists this year?

Cash is losing its impersonal sheen this holiday season, probably because just about everyone on everyone's list could use some extra green stuff.

The Boston Globe reports that 44 percent of consumers say they plan to give cash for the holidays because of the tough economy, up from just under 42 percent last year, according to a Western Union survey. Money is on everyone's mind, and as NPD Group's chief retail analyst, Marshal Cohen, tells the Globe, cash is tops on many a list this year. "They would love the gift, but they need to pay off their grocery bill before they start worrying about a Polo shirt."

Also a new trend this December: doorbuster deals at banks for high CD (certificates of deposit) rates. Banks and financial institutions are taking advantage of rising savings rates by offering attractive interest rates CDs and savings accounts to entice people to open accounts as gifts. A nice thought, indeed.

Are you more inclined to gift cash gifts this year? And, though we know it's better to give than to receive, would you be happy to be on the receiving end of a cash gift?

All in all, how is the economy affecting your gift-giving in 2009?