MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas Online Shopping Guide

That online shopping gets easier every year is thanks in large part to good old-fashioned competition.

Retailers' growing sophistication in presenting their stuff online means clearer options for price, color and size, lots of free shipping, generous return policies, and express delivery right to your door. (And, if you still feel you find a better deal somewhere else, there's always online comparison shopping.)

The downside, of course, is not being able to get an up-close look and feel the merchandise you're buying, consumers say. But a good number of them also claim that the reason for their cyber shopping conversion is sheer convenience.

Especially in the North, Midwest and Northeast where snow storms can put a real crimp in last-minute holiday shopping .... happiness can be a warm, toasty computer.

In milder areas, shopping online simply provides a great opportunity to kick back, relax, and really enjoy the holidays.

On the Web, find out what all the fuss is about — with guides to finding that last-minute gift (one that you can instantly zap to a loved one's e-mail address - on Christmas Eve!) plus where to get free shipping for the holidays, and how to scope out other great Christmas sales and bargains now going on, online...

also see -> After Christmas Sales

Holiday Free Shipping & Delivery

According to many consumer surveys, free shipping is the No. 1 enticement that most influences shoppers to to choose one online retailer over another.

While many cyber stores offer free shipping with a minimum purchase, check out these top online establishments which either offer totally free shipping year 'round, or those featuring totally free shipping in the U.S. through the holiday season:

also see -> Clothing & Fashion Shopping

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