Let's face it - as much as we'd like to make an agreement with everyone that the holiday season has just become this materialistic consumeristic nightmare of stressed out shoppers and rude salespeople, sometimes we just cannot avoid buying gifts for clients, co-workers or children.

My solution - avoid the hassle of parking spaces and aching calf muscles (if you're like me you like to shop around before deciding on one thing) and just shop online!

For a while I resisted buying stuff online but it's gotten to the point where I actually prefer buying certain things online (books, CD's, perfumes for example) to having to walk into a huge crowded mall and be overwhelmed by choices.

Therefore, if like me you feel comfortable shopping online - here are some ways you can actually save some money as well.

1. Use promo codes and coupons online - I use sites like retailmenot.com to find coupon codes that I enter at checkout. What I like about sites like that is the user feedback on whether the coupon code was successful or not and that the coupons are really easy to search for using their cleanly designed website.
2. Look for sites with free shipping and then batch order - I've saved $15 - $20 each time I've done this. I use sites like Amazon's Super Saver shipping for orders over $25 and Overstock ($2.95 for your entire order). Overstock even offers free shipping some times. It just requires thinking ahead.
3. Take Advantage of Special Offers - I saved $40 yesterday because a coworker told me about a special paypal was running. I immediately went to my computer (it was after work hours!) and bought the two essential items that I needed to buy .
4. Comparison Shop - I use sites like Shopzilla.com and findthis.com when trying to compare item prices and find vendors. I found a great deal yesterday for a piece of luggage that was retailing at $120. It was on sale for $60 and I got $20 off using a paypal promotion AND free shipping!
5. Bid Online- While there are some risks involved in buying stuff through sites like eBay or even Craig's List (which is not even an auction site though you can find some good deals there) I am yet to have a bad experience with them. Just use your common sense and if the deal sounds too good to be true - buyer beware!

If anyone has other ways to save money online (besides completely not shopping - period, which tends to be my husband's solution!) I would love to hear them.

Here's wishing you a safe and savings-full online shopping experience!