7 Ways to Save on Holiday Shopping (Without Leaving the House)

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are right around the corner, and that means that the mad dash to buy all those holiday presents without losing your mind is on. Black Friday marks the traditional start of the season, along with all the best sales. With today's modern technology and a few useful tips, however, you can get your shopping done and save a bundle - without ever setting foot in a mall. (Or driving around a parking lot for two hours, or chasing your kids from one toy store to another, or … any of those other obnoxious things that come with the holiday shopping.)

Today, I present you with seven ways to save on holiday gifts, without having to go out on Black Friday.

1. Keep and eye out for Black Friday sales online. Many popular online retailers, such as Best Buy and Walmart, offer their Black Friday savings online - sometimes beyond Black Friday. You can get the good deals without the lines. Black Friday Ads documents all the major Black Friday advertisements, both online and in-store. Familiarize yourself with the sale offerings, and shop for gifts online. If you do choose to brave the Black Friday crowds, you will have already had a chance to compare prices and determine which stores have what you want at the price you want - no more waiting for parking spaces at six different stores then turning around and going back to the first in order to get the best price.

2. Take advantage of free shipping. Many online retailers offer free shipping with a certain minimum purchase. Chances are you will end up spending that much anyway, and think of the money you'll save by not having to fill up on gas or pay for parking. The stores that offer this option are too countless to name, but just to give you an idea, Gap and Nordstrom both offer free shipping on orders over $100. Most sites guarantee package arrival prior to Christmas if ordered by a certain day.

3. Buy discounted designer items. Designer items make great gifts, but there is no reason you should have to pay designer prices. Bluefly offers up to 40% off on designer clothing and accessories, including names like Vera Wang, Gucci, and Fendi, while Perfumania offers discounted perfumes and colognes. Shop clearance and you'll save even more.

4. Utilize coupons and discount codes. The internet is full of coupons and discount codes for a variety of retailers. A quick Google search will reveal page upon page of coupon sites, but to name a few, Coupon Cabin and Fat Wallet are some of my favorites, offering discounts at online retailers like Target, Amazon, and Dell. These coupons may offer money off, discounted shipping, or free gifts with purchase, to name a few.

5. Use E-Bay.E-bay is easy and free to use. Simply register, search for whatever it is you are looking for (the options are endless), and bid. E-Bay is not only a source for those old or hard-to-find items, but also for brand new items at cheap prices. Look for phrases like "new in box" or "new with tags" to assure that you are receiving never-opened items, and always be sure to check that the seller has a stellar feedback rating - assurance that this person is good for what they are selling.

6. Look for "used" items on Amazon.Amazon is not the only site that allows consumers to sell their own copies or items, but it is certainly one of the most well-known. When searching for an item, Amazon lists their price, and the prices of any new or used items available from other customers in their marketplace. When using the Amazon marketplace, the actual purchasing goes through Amazon so no one else ever accesses your credit card information. Many times, the description under "used" listings will let you know that they are actually knew items and are being sold discounted from a wholesaler or individual seller. Look for phrases such as "never opened" and "shrink-wrapped" to ascertain newness, and like E-bay, check the seller rating. Half.com is another site with a similar program.

7. Take advantage of outlets. For the most part, this is more of an in-person shopping experience, but outlet shopping can also be done online. Sites like Overstock provide all sorts of overstocked items at discounted prices, and the aforementioned site currently offers $1 holiday shipping. Outlets Online provides an online listing of outlets and factory stores by region, so if you are up to some physical shopping, this site can help you find the cheapest places. Outlets, with stores ranging from Nike to Estee Lauder and everything in between, typically sell overstocked or seasonal items at discounts of up to 30% off retail price.

Holiday shopping can be fun, delightful, terrifying, and hazardous all at once. By utilizing these money-saving tips, you can get the gifts you want at prices you can afford - without having to face the crowds. So get enjoy these tips, get your holiday shopping done, and then sit back, relax, and pity those who are out there in crowds at the last minute, trying to get their shopping finished. You're already done.