Online shopping

With Christmas fast approaching, there are many ways in which you can save time, money and the environment by looking to the internet.  One of the most convenient things about organising Christmas over the internet is that it can be done any time, any day, without having to compete against other shoppers.

There is a vast array of online stores which can make knowing where to buy very difficult.  Likewise, there is an endless supply of gift ideas, again, making it hard to chose.

Many websites offer a gift finder service.  Options often include:

• who it's for - for him, her or even couples
• the occasion - Christmas, birthday etc
• what they're like - arts and crafts enthusiasts, gadget geek, fashion etc
• your budget.

If you know what you want to buy, then simply type your item into any search engine and pick from one of the links.

Price comparison websites can also be useful to ensure you are getting the best possible price.

Online shopping guide:

• Know who you're dealing with - confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems
• Know exactly what you're buying - read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print
• Know what it will cost - Factor shipping and handling, along with your needs and budget, into the total cost of the order
• Security check - Before entering credit/debit card details, ensure the website starts with https:// or it has a padlock towards the bottom right of the browser
• Pay by credit or charge card - for maximum consumer protections
• Check out the terms of the deal - like refund policies and delivery dates
• Print and save records of your online transactions.

Supermarket shop

Most major, and some smaller, retailers now offer online shopping. For those people who know exactly what they want, it can be a great hassle-free option.

All the products you see in the store are available in the virtual shop, and sometimes even more. You can even pick a delivery time to best suit you and it is often free.

The increasing use of loyalty cards has helped some retailers know what you buy from week-to-week. They can then provide this list when you log in to their online shop and enter your loyalty card number. Whilst this can be easier, some people like to pick their own goods, especially fresh fruit and veg.

Online shopping can be useful for those who have a hectic family and business life and like the convenience of not having to leave the house.

e-cards

It is estimated that over 600 million cards are sent over the Christmas period.

Numerous websites offer free e-cards which are not only good for your bank account, but also good for the environment. With increased access to the internet and email, it's an easier and more efficient way of keeping in touch over the festive season.

These can often be as simple as choosing a design, changing the text to suit and sending to the relevant email address. As with the progression of technology and increased bandwidth, animated e-cards are now very common.

To find websites that offer the e-card service, simply type e-card into a search engine and pick your favourite.