CLEVELAND -- Money may be tight during this economic downturn but that doesn't mean consumers are taking gadgets off their holiday wish lists.

The Consumer Electronics Association says sales of electronics will grow nearly 4 percent compared to the same time last year.

TVs, cell phones, computers and video games seem to be topping the wish lists this holiday. But these are expensive items and consumers are watching the bottom line more these days so used electronics are getting a second glance.

Lou Tansky who runs Uncle Ben's Pawn Shop in Cleveland is seeing more and more people stopping in to shop. His family's been in the pawning business for more than 60 years and said lately things are changing.

"Traditionally, shops have been about 19 months behind most electronics, but now we're seeing the stuff coming in much quicker, much sooner when it hits the market," said Tansky.

And with everyone pinching pennies, Uncle Ben's Pawn Shop is having a hard time keeping the shelves full. Boxed items, like an XBox 360 sell out fast. Even though Web sites like eBay are still booming with gadgets, Tansky said many still prefer the old-fashioned way.

"We're a brick and mortor store. You can come in here you can look at it, you can touch it, you can test it," he said.

Some stores like Game Stop offer refurbished items online and in stores. While refurbished products do not come with a manufacturer's warranty, Game Stop's 30-day return policy still applies.

Some consumers prefer to buy brand new, but many are still looking for ways to reduce the final cost of the item.

One way they're doing it is by trading in their old electronics. Best Buy has an E-cycle program online that offers an incentive to buy with them.

Alex Ionta from the Best Buy located at Steelyard Commons in Cleveland explains, "You type in your model numbers off the back of your product and and that generates you a gift card to you."

Costco has a similar program that will also give you money toward a Costco purchase. Everyone wins, because customers get credit toward a new item, the store makes a sale, and the items don't wind up in the landfill. In fact, the gadgets are often used for parts. Cell phones typically get refurbished and donated to women's shelters.

With technology changing so fast, prices are dropping. Best Buy currently has a 40-inch LCD HDTV on sale for $999, which a year ago would have cost about $500 more.

Analysts predict prices will likely continue to drop. Because of that reason, some items will not be repaired by customers but rather replaced. For example, fixing a broken screen on a laptop can cost about $600. That price can buy a brand new laptop in some cases.

The exception of replacing items seems to be cell phones. A broken LCD screen may cost around $140 but replacing the phone itself could cost hundreds depending on the contract plan.