FORGET about strings of pearls, dive watches or flower baskets. This could be the year of Barcaloungers and blenders. According to early online shopping statistics, sales of holiday stalwarts like jewelry, watches and flowers have dropped from last year’s levels, while sales of more practical items like furniture and appliances have climbed about 70 percent.

Andrew Lipsman, an analyst with comScore Networks, which measures the online shopping of millions of consumers, puts part of the blame on nervous shoppers.

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