Online Gift Ideas: Christmas Savings in Online Gift Stores

2009 has been a tumultuous year for many; rampant job losses and widespread poverty are just two of the more visible effects of the global economic crisis.

As the Christmas shopping season approaches, many are apprehensive about spending money much needed in other areas of the budget on Christmas gifts.

Internet gift shopping is a convenient and often less expensive option for many consumers.  Almost any item found in a traditional department store is now found in online gift stores.

These online gift ideas give shoppers tips and tricks to save time and money by shopping in online gift stores. Learn how to find the best deals, save money on shipping, and purchase securely online from reputable retailers.

Business Report's Florence de Vries warns of a grim Christmas season for American retailers, citing a 7% drop in total retail sales in August over the same period in 2008 as a sign of what to expect this winter.

However, online retail sales actually rose 2.2% to $32.4 billion in the second quarter of 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  While consumers are cutting back on their retail spending budgets, more seem to be choosing to shop online.  See Second Quarter 2009 Online Sales Up 2.2% for the full story.

Online shopping malls offer a huge selection of gifts and other items, often at discounted prices, from a variety of retailers. Shoppers at Canada's CyberShopping.ca, for example, can browse through products from Chapters Indigo, Sears, Home Depot, The Source, and more.

OnlineDepartmentStores.com directs shoppers to reputable retailers like Macy's, WalMart, Eddie Bauer, and Target.

These online malls usually make a commission from each sale directed through their site. However, the retailer pays the commission; it is a form of advertising, and the shopper doesn't pay extra for the convenience of having access to all stores from one portal.

Buying a number of smaller items from one online retailer and using them to create unique gift baskets can be a real money saver.

See Handcrafted Male Gift Ideas for step-by-step instruction on creating homemade gifts for men with store-bought or handcrafted items. These ideas also apply to women and girls; simply use different products and a more feminine carrying case.

Larger, reputable shopping outlets such as eBay and Amazon carry a wide selection of online gift ideas.  Tips for finding Christmas savings at large retail or auction sites:

• At eBay or other auction sites, select several items from one seller who offers combined shipping or discounts on subsequent items.
• Ask family and friends to set up a wish list at their favorite online retailer, then watch for sales or discounts on wish list items.
• Most large online retailers have a discount or deals section, like Amazon's Deal of the Day page.  Watch for sales and dropping prices on desired items.
• Buy from the store central to your country to avoid shipping delays.  For example, Canadians should make they're buying from eBay.ca and not eBay.com (from a Canadian seller).  This reduces the chance an item will be held at the border and charged a tariff.
• Find great online gift ideas, then continue searching for generic brands that carry similar items.  Dropping the brand name can result in huge cost savings.

Paying for purchases online with a credit card gives the shopper chargeback protection in the case of missing or damaged goods.  Just don't go over the limit!