MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas Online Shopping Guide

Starting with Black Friday, when major department stores kick-off their holiday sales, online shopping gets evern easier -- 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. And don't forget the online discount coupons.)

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 colder climates 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.

NOTE: Always check the date of delivery promised for merchandise. You don't want to get stuck waiting for a purchase, especially if it's for a holiday gift under deadline!

That said, if you have nerves of steel (or ordering something just for yourself) hold off on Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales -- and wait until the last week before Christmas, when retailers are practically giving away merchandise to clear their shelves.

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!)

Also check where to get free shipping for the holidays, shops that specialize in worldwide delivery, and how to scope out more and more 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:

More about online holiday shopping around the Web:

12 TIps to Save Money Online Christmas Shopping - Discover expert tips on finding the best bargains, especially during the holidays, with advice on where to find cash back discounts, flash sales and daily deal sale sites.