How to be a beast at online shopping this holiday season

‘Tis the season to be online shopping. There are several reasons to avoid the stores – too many crazy people, gas is too expensive, you don’t want to get dressed or you know there is no guarantee you will find what your looking for. From the comfort of your own bed, you can search the web and get a gift for every one you know and probably even receive free shipping. But the web is a big place, and you can easily get lost or sidetracked while on your holiday shopping spree. Here are a few tips to get you prepped for the endeavor.

‘Tis the season of online shopping. (Robert R. Denton/CU Independent Photo Illustration)

If you missed Cyber Monday but are still desperate for deals, have no fear: the Internet is full of them. Entire websites are dedicated to offering the lowest prices on in-demand products. Sites like SteepandCheap.com offer one item at a time, for a set amount of time, at a huge discount. SteepandCheap.com specializes in “gear” like Oakley optics, kayaks, Giro helmets and more. More “one deal at a time” sites include WhiskeyMilitia.com and Woot.com.

Myhabit.com may appeal to women with a more mature taste in fashion but still want a deal. Myhabit.com offers different products at a discount for an entire day, and when tomorrow rolls around, you have a whole new set of deals to choose from. Smartbargains.com is another site that boasts designer brands at a cheaper price.

We all love a good deal, especially when we’re paying for a college tuition that is taking away all our extra spending. College students can take advantage of studentrate.com, where exclusive coupons and deals are offered to students. This site can be used to snag deals on everything from Father’s Day specials, dorm room accessories, clothing and traveling. For the holidays, I recommend checking out the shopping tab where you can find plenty of retail that offer cash back on your purchase.

All these sites are good places to get the most for your money, but if you are having trouble thinking of the right present for each person on your list, turn to customized gifts. On websites like shutterfly.com and snapfish.com, you can upload your own photos that can appear on a coffee mug, blanket, calendar or anything else you might want to stick your face on. Parents tend to appreciate these gifts the most.

If you’re all out of ideas and inspiration, turn to online shopping giant Amazon. Amazon sold over 200 items per second on Cyber Monday in 2011, and 2012 is looking even more promising. There are literally millions of items to choose from, but Amazon makes the shopping a little easier by categorizing gifts by relationship, holiday favorites and most popular. You can even get free two-day shipping, all year long, on every item by becoming a “prime member” for just $79. Amazon has something for everyone, including your Grammy who only appreciates coins from the Ming Dynasty.

Be bold this holiday season and take the Internet by the horns, or mouse. Find the perfect gift for everyone and save yourself some cash and the effort of leaving the house.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Leala King at Leala.king@colorado.edu.