A recent poll conducted by KRC Research, commissioned by the Entertainment Software Association, found that 42 percent of those surveyed will give or hope to receive a computer, console of related software for the holidays. The poll also found that 52 percent of participants believe that with the shaky economy, video games are a good option for family entertainment this holiday season (check out our “Non-Gaming Parents Should Follow When Buying Videogames for Their Kids feature” for some great holiday gift giving advice).

These numbers represent a 9 percent increase over 2007 and the research backed up the fact that both men and women enjoy computer and video games almost equally. Forty-seven percent identified women as recipients of such gifts, a 31 percent increase from 2007. Fifty-Four percent of those who play computer and video games also plan to play with a friend or family member during the holiday season - according to those surveyed.

“Computer and video games are topping holiday lists because they provide a superior entertainment value for the whole family,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. “With 68 percent of American households playing computer and video games, U.S. consumers value the creative and innovative products the entertainment software industry produces and are seeking them out for themselves and to give as gifts.”

The national telephone poll, conducted for the ESA by KRC Research, surveyed 1,001 U.S. adults, between November 4 and 8, 2009.

What’s on the top of my wish list? Peace on earth, goodwill towards men, and an orange Crispy Gamer ball cap. That’s a gift worth having.