I got a little Christmas cash and I am looking to get a game or two before the Christmas sales end. I am in the mood for an in-depth strategy games that is not about war or conquest (I have been on an empire building kick for the last two months and I am burned out with those games for now). I am in the mood for a economic or managerial game or something like that. Any strategy games that is not a war/empire/conquest game will do as long as it is fun (and the more unique the better, I am tired of playing variations of the same game and would love to find someting fresh). Any suggestions?

Theme Hospital. Very fun. It is almost impossible to quit after playing. The game is only $3 now too. :)

i suggest outcast

King of Dragon Pass. If you don't buy it, you're an idiot.

For economic sim, you could try Capitalism Plus or Capitalism 2 - you can't get more in-depth than those games when it comes to managerial games.
For grand strategies, you could check out Paradox's titles - games from the Europa Universalis, Victoria and Crusader Kings series.
Or you could give the Anno series a try (my personal favorite is 1404), which are very in-depth resource/building/land management games with very little to no fighting (which is mostly optional).

LOL He said, "I am in the mood for a economic or managerial game or something like that."

There is also Dungeon Keeper, Dungeon Keeper 2 and FTL.

Recettear is a really cute RPG item shop simulator. You can get it DRM-free on Gamersgate. You can find a demo here:

http://www.carpefulgur.com/recettear/

I can't believe I forgot this game earlier. The Guild Gold Edition. Fucking awesome game.

Patrician 3 or Port Royale 2 might do if you're looking for something with historical flavor but not any real focus on military-style conquest.

It depends on what you like or are into...But maybe try something new. Perhaps will spark an interest. There's always The Sims 3...I would suggest pets expansion pack, Tropico (any of them) Dungeons and Dragons Online (DDO), Fallout 3 is very good am playing that one right now or Oblivion/Skrim. Hope you find what cha are looking for. =D

You want a unique Economic Managerial experience?

How about I send you my monthly income & outgoings.
You get to try to balance the 2......

Sim City 2000 SE was pretty good when I played it and all the Roller Coaster Tycoon games are really fun and addictive to play. Alien Nations does have some war elements in it, but I don't think they are needed to win the scenarios.

Though I haven't played these games myself, Startopia and Theme Hospital are both supposed to be very good. (Think someone already mentioned Theme Hospital)

If you don't want the buy the games from GOG.com, I recommend giving The Sims 2 or 3 a try.

What games did you enjoy playing?

I was suggested Space Colony HD by someone on here - maybe appropriate to your needs?
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/space_colony_hd