Hooray for technology! I just completed all my Christmas shopping and didn't have to deal with the crowds. I did not have to look for a parking spot only to find the farthest one from the mall and still get a ticket because it really wasn't an actual parking space after all. Nor did I have to hang on with all my might to that prized toy that every kid wants in anticipation of a crazy, over-zealous parent wanting to snatch it right out of my arms.

I did not have to carry the heavy roaster I bought for my Mom while looking for the book (a top seller that seems to be sold out everywhere) my Dad specifically asked for. I was able to buy for my daughter without her peeking at what she got like she always does when she's my mall buddy. My grandson was able to watch Scooby Doo from the comfort of our own sofa and living room, which is much easier than pushing him in his stroller around the mall as he's pulling all the clothes off the racks and sticking his leg out to knock over crystal vases.

Lastly, I was not chased down the corridor by the security guard from the department store who heard the alarm go off because the cashier forgot to take off the security device on the expensive jacket I had just purchased for my sister. Yep, these times they are a changin' thank goodness! That's not to say I don't like to still hit the mall during the holiday season. I just don't want to HAVE to. I want to stroll through the place to enjoy the decorations, drink a good cup of coffee with a nice pastry, and maybe pick up an item that just jumps out at me that might be the perfect gift for someone. So let me share with you my favorite places to shop online. I've had good luck with all of them in terms of pricing, shipping, and customer service. http://www.overstock.com/. For quality toys and unique gifts: http://www.restorationhardware.com/ For kids; it's a given: http://www.toysrus.com/. For clothes and jewelry: http://www.nordstrom.com/. For books and most anything you can dream of: http://www.amazon.com/. For beauty: http:www.skinstore.com For tools: http://www.sears.com/ For daily deals: http://www.woot.com/. For spa gift certificates: http://www.spafinder.com/.