If you are planning on shopping online today–like half of all American workers–then these tips are for you!  I’ve compiled some of my favorite tricks to saving online, and links to check first!  I’ll be posting deals as I find them, so make sure to check back today so you don’t miss any!  Some of them will go fast!

So, here’s the things I do when looking for a bargain:

First, check Amazon.  Amazon is a pretty good bellweather for prices.  And right now they’re locked in a price war with Walmart.–which means GREAT deals for you!  I’ve found that they carry so many items, and are very competitive at price.  And you know you can trust their customer service too!  Keep an eye on their Cyber Monday page today to see their hot deals that come up hourly!

Second,  stop by Ebates and sign up!  You’ll get a $5 bonus when you do, and you’ll get money back on most of your online purchases.  (I just got a check for $47 for shopping I did over the past few months!)  Click through the Ebates links for stores to get your cash back offer.  Many stores are offering Double Cash Back right now!  Also, they have a pretty comprehensive list of online coupons for each store.  Make sure to look for those FREE Shipping codes!

Third, think clutter-free but fabulous!  What do I mean by that?  So often we’re stumped on what to give our friends who have everything, and end up guessing.  How many of us have piles of gifts laying around, unopened a full year later, given to us by well-meaning friends?  How about a gift certificate to a spa?  Dinner out at a nice restaurant?  A night out on the town?  These are my favorites to give!  HalfPriceCincy has tons of great deals–with new ones released every Friday morning. Dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Johnny & Carlo; spa packages including manicure, pedicure and cut and style for only $65; packages at Belterra casino or Entertrainment Junction; and many more!  These gifts won’t sit unused–and they won’t clutter up anyone’s home!

Fourth, for stocking stuffers, Galerie Outlet can’t be beat!  Just a mile or so south of the Gap Outlet in Hebron, Galerie is my first stop every holiday!  They make the packaging for the big retailers candy items–stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Target and more.  Those teddy bears that are $25-$30 or more with little boxes of chocolate at Macy’s are under $10 at Galerie!  And they often still have the store name on them!  I usually can’t find anything wrong with them.  They have a huge selection of small items too–candy filled toys and more.  Well worth the trip!  Take 275 west past the airport to the Hebron/237 exit.  Go south–its about 3/4 of a mile off the interstate, just past the Kroger Marketplace!  (The library is right across the street.)

Hope that helps!  I’m on the hunt now for the best deals!