How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts Without Being a Scrooge

Let's face it. Christmas shopping can get expensive - especially if you have a large circle of family and friends. But there are things you can do to save money and still get everyone what's on their list.

One of the first things to do before you do anything else is to visit the price comparison web sites to find the lowest posted prices for the items on your list. This not only saves time, it saves gas and money too.

There are over 50 major price comparison web sites and new ones popping up all the time. Yahoo, AOL and MSN each have "Shopping" locations on their sites offering cost comparisons on most products. Google has it's price comparison web site called Froogle. Go directly to any of the sites listed above and look for their shopping connection.

Other top sites to check out include Shopzilla, PriceScan, PriceWatch, and DealTime. Just add "www" and ". com " to these names to begin your online shopping comparison.

In most cases, you simply enter the product category and specific brand you're shopping for. That's it. Usually within a split second, you'll get a listing of online and offline merchants who sell the product, along with side by side price comparisons. You'll be amazed at the price differences between some of the "brick and mortar" and online merchants.

Price comparison sites make it easy to shop electronic gifts like digital or 35mm cameras, video cams, computers, cell phones or personal desk assistants where there are usually different makes or models. Some sites even contain complete product information and quality ratings on these and other products. There are also s price comparison sites that specialize in electronics, photography, videos, books and other merchandise - even gifts for your pet.

Before you buy anything at the department store or the mall, comparison shop online first to see which shop has the best price - or if it's cheaper to buy the product online. Some department stores even have special sales or lower prices for online shoppers, so you could save even more. Depending on where an online merchant is located and where you live, you could save the sales tax you'd have to pay at local store, adding to your savings.

It also works the other way around. If you see something at the mall you think would make someone a great gift, but the price isn't right, go home and check it out online. Or if you have your laptop with you, many malls have free wi-fi internet access so you can check it out while you're having a cup of coffee in the food court.

Smart shoppers can also save money carpooling. If you're going to outlet centers which always seem to be located a long drive from where you live, splitting the gas and parking could you save a considerable amount of money, especially if you drive a vehicle with a gas guzzling V8 engine or an older model car or truck.

Consignment and thrift shops can also be a source of unique, personal and interesting gifts that are also inexpensive. Many have fine selections of home accessories, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, occasional furniture, antiques and bric-a-brac.

While browsing in a local consignment shop, I recently found a collection of ash trays from a famous, now defunct hotel in Paris where my aunt and uncle spent their honeymoon. I gave to them as one of their anniversary gifts. The look on their faces when they opened the gift was priceless. The mint-condition ash trays cost only $4 dollars. Shopping in consignment shops for certain gifts not only saves you money, it's a lot of fun too.

You can cut the cost of "Secret Santas" and "Office Grab Bags" by shopping for these gifts at dollar stores. Most have nice selections of candles and picture frames. Usually for just about $5, you can put together a nice set of 3 picture frames and 2 candles. Got a co-worker who's a gourmet cook? You can put together a nice collection of kitchen utensils, plates, glassware or other goodies your dollar store might have. Dollar Stores are great places to save money on stocking stuffers and décor for holiday parties too.

"Re-Gifting" is a touchy subject with many people, although surveys indicate that the majority of us do it. If you have a gift gathering dust in your closet because it "just isn't you" or doesn't match your home décor, think of someone would like it and then "re-gift".

If you're shopping for family or friends you won't be exchanging gifts with until some time after Christmas, think about buying their gifts after Christmas when stores are having their big clearance sales. Just don't tell them you bought it after Christmas.

Finally check out your frequent flyer miles. Some offer options to use miles for merchandise and magazine subscriptions, which can also make excellent gifts. And of course, if you have extra miles you don't need or that are going to expire shortly, you can always give a family member or very close friend, a trip to somewhere warm and sunny for just after the holidays.