With the price of gas, the parking nightmares, the unruly crowds, the screaming children—who wants to go Christmas shopping the old-fashioned way?
Here’s a roundup of some of the best shopping websites for great holiday values.
deepdiscount.com
This megasite offers rock-bottom prices on DVDs (e.g., Sex and The City: $18.46 per season; Superman Returns: $5.99), CDs, books, media storage furniture and accessories (including cabinets that hold almost 1,000 CDs and DVDs: $159.96), and movie posters. All purchases come with free shipping—and without any sales tax (unless you are unlucky enough to reside in Illinois).
istorez.com
This meta-site collects and organizes shopping e-newsletters from thousands of online merchants, presenting the best deals from each.
retailmenot.com, couponcabin.com, currentcodes.com, couponmountain.com
Before you click “Confirm Purchase” on your next online buy, be sure to search these sites for discount and promotional codes that you might be able to apply to your purchase. These codes can add up to big savings.
shoplocal.com
This site helps you scout the best deals at big-chain, brick-and-mortar stores nearest you.
smartbargains.com
Overstock.com’s rival, quietly has been growing its well-edited selection of merchandise derived from canceled orders, overruns, and manufacturer closeouts. Initially specializing in merchandise for women, the site has since broadened to include products for men, children, and home goods.
travelzoo.com
If your idea of a stocking stuffer is a romantic getaway to the French Riviera, but you’re on a Coney Island budget, be sure to check out this mecca for travel bargains. From airfares and hotels to vacation packages and cruises, TravelZoo provides all the latest travel steals and deals—including exceptional specials on last-minute travel deals (say, an all-inclusive, three-night stay at a Grand Cayman beachfront resort for $499).
winecountrygiftbaskets.com
Don’t let the name fool you. This site also offers non-alcohol gift baskets featuring fresh, high-quality gourmet goodies—many with free shipping, and many for under $40. Specially themed baskets (from romantic and corporate to kosher) are also available.
