Easy holiday shopping

Here's how to shop for the holidays without hitting the mall

By Lisa van de Geyn

Your bro's socially conscious kids
saffronrouge.ca One-stop shop for organic beauty products. Perks: Free shipping on orders over $100; 60-day money-back guarantee.

apple.ca A simple iTunes Product Red gift card gives 10 percent back to help fight AIDS in Africa. Perks: Free shipping; ships within two business days.

eco-handbags.com Green gals will love the purses made from candy wrappers or newspaper. Perks: Free shipping on orders over $150; pay using PayPal.

grassrootsstore.com Great eco products such as biodegradable corn pens and journals made of recycled paper. Perks: Holiday returns or exchanges are offered until January 25.

shopsickkids.com You can choose from Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children's product line (like jewellery and T-shirts) or make a donation, such as a stethoscope, on the gift recipient's behalf. Perks: Money donated to SickKids Foundation; items shipped within two days.

The hostess who doesn't drink wine

theshoppingchannel.com Bring sparkling crystal ornaments to adorn your hostess's tree or wrap up a pair of festive polar fleece blankets to keep her warm all season. Perks: Easy Pay allows you to spread your payments; order by phone or online.

goldaskitchen.ca From bake-ware to barware, this site's got everything for foodies. Perks: Search by occasion or get great gift suggestions.

boardgames.ca If you always end up playing the same edition of Trivial Pursuit at your host's home, treat the family to a new game. Perks: Search by number of players or game time; gift-wrapping offered.

domistylegifts.com Chic aprons are the perfect way to say thanks to the chef who's been preparing a big turkey dinner for you and your brood. Perks: One size fits all; customize with wording of your choice.

brookschocolates.com As long as she has a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong ordering a box of delicious chocolate almond brittle, all wrapped up in a pretty red bow. Perks: Printable order form you can mail or phone in; candy sent to recipient.

yummicandles.com Choose from a wide variety of holiday candles and holders to brighten up your hostess's living room. Perks: Fast shipping nationwide.

Nanny and Pop-pop
tshirtmonster.ca Design a custom T for Grandma and Grandpa, complete with pictures of the grandkids and a special message. Perks: T-shirts printed and shipped within five days; full money-back guarantee.

ticketmaster.ca Get tickets for sporting events, concerts and plays. Perks: No charge for shipping; gift cards available.

expedia.ca Treat those doting grandparents to a night away at a bed and breakfast or fancy hotel. Perks: Confirmation emailed right away.

jigsawjungle.com A 500-piece puzzle of white Persian kitties for Nana or a 1,500-piece 3-D globe for Papa — whatever you choose will keep them busy all winter. Perks: Large-piece puzzles for seniors; shipping quotes available before checkout.

ornamentswithlove.com Hundreds of custom ornaments to choose from. Perks: Combined shipping prices offered; delivery within 10 business days.

Teenage babysitters
chapters.indigo.ca Get books by her favourite author, DVDs starring heartthrob actors or CDs by hip artists. Perks: Use your iRewards card and get five percent off your order; free shipping on orders over $39.

beautymark.ca Beauty queens will savour Philosophy's real-smelling Gingerbread shampoo and bath gel. Perks: Dozens of brands; order tracking available.

cineplex.com She babysits for you on date night, so return the favour with a new flick. Perks: Usable at all Cineplex Odeon and Famous Players theatres; quick and cheap shipping.

snazzygirl.com Choose from trendy jewellery, wallets and stationery for tween and teen fashionistas. Perks: Great sale section; free gift-wrapping available.

groovycandies.com Retro, novelty and bulk sweets for candy lovers. Shop by colour and load up on holiday-hued treats. Perks: Calculate shipping costs as you shop; tracking numbers sent to your email.

Tired new parents
grandrivertoys.com Oodles of goodies for kids and adults. Get the New Parent Checklist refrigerator pad to remind baby-focused parents what they need to schlep every time they leave the house. Perks: Delivery within 10 days nationwide; track order online.

babyrockrecords.com Pooped parents will love the modern lullabies set to the music of their favourite bands. Perks: Listen to selections from each track on any album before you buy.

food-delivery.ca Send dinner for two to the busy couple from their favourite restaurant. Perks: Good at a variety of restaurants in cities across the country.

mollymaid.ca Call in the pros and send a gift certificate for housecleaning services. They'll do all the vacuuming, clean bathrooms and give Mom (and Dad!) time to rest. Perks: Order by phone or online; no expiry date.

youresuchababy.com Though they do have items for new moms and dads, you won't be able to resist the retro-feel onesies for the new baby. Perks: Email receipt sent immediately upon ordering.

Kids who are way cool
nameyourtune.com Watch your child's face light up when he hears the lyrics to "Little Noah Had a Farm." This personalized CD mentions your little one's name more than 80 times. Perks: Add a personal message on the CD's label; pay using PayPal.

perfectday.ca Send junior on a whale-watching expedition out of Vancouver or a jet-boat trip up Ontario's Niagara River. Perks: Send gift via email or by mail; vouchers valid for nine months.

fatbraintoys.com You won't find any computer or video games here. Order classic games and toys. Perks: Live online help; toy safety information.

shopping.discovery.com Budding astronauts will enjoy the remote-control moon and solar system projector. Perks: Customer ratings on all products; free shipping.

mabel.ca Get your child's name printed on labels he can use on anything from his shoes and backpacks to toys and video games. Perks: Order online or by phone; track your order online.

Grade A teachers
scholarschoice.ca Let's face it: A teacher can never have too many school supplies. Find thousands of activity books, toys, stickers, art supplies and more. Perks: Special clearance section stocked with sale items; order form available to fax or mail in.

wayspa.ca Send a gift certificate for a teacher to put toward a relaxing massage or manicure. (Hey, if you spent Monday to Friday with 30 kids, you'd appreciate this too!) Perks: Live online help; certificate never expires and can be used at thousands of spas worldwide.

codecan.org Those who teach your children how to read and write will surely appreciate CODE (Canadian Organization for Development through Education) Foundation's Wishing Star Card — a donation you can make on their behalf that promotes literacy in Africa and the Caribbean. Donation amounts start at just $5. Perks: Tax receipt for donation; card can be mailed directly to recipient.

timothys.com Tea, hot chocolate and tons o' java products and accessories for your child's other favourite coffee drinker. Perks: Free shipping offered for orders over $63; web-exclusive promotions.

mrsfields.ca Go ahead — treat your kid's favourite teacher to some yummy, fresh-baked cookies (in a wide variety of irresistible flavours). They'll go just perfectly with her little coffee habit. Perks: Cookies are baked and shipped immediately.

That colleague, neighbour or bus driver you always forget about
homedepot.ca For the neighbour who practically lives in the garage fixing, building or working on a project. Perks: Many products and prices available only online.

roots.com Order the classic (and always useful!) mittens, hats and scarves to keep your coolest friends warm and cozy this winter. Perks: Keep track of orders online; any returns can be shipped back within 30 days.

wickedgourmet.com A few jars of Cranberry Garlic Jelly are a festive treat. Perks: Fast-track order page to checkout quickly.

rogersmagazines.com Send a gift subscription to one of Canada's favourite magazines, including our pick and shameless self-promotion, Today's Parent. Perks: Add your order to your Rogers account.

hbc.com Keep their choices wide open by getting a gift card for shopping in one of the Hbc stores, such as The Bay and Zellers. Perks: Pick up in store; returns can be made in store.

8 tips for safe, smart web shopping

1. Research the e-tailer. If you're not familiar with a company, do a quick Google search for positive or negative customer comments. Also, check the Contact Us, About Us or Help section for a phone number and address: It's the sign of a seller who's serious about their business.

2. Find the privacy policy. A site's privacy policy means the business is committed to making sure your personal information is guarded and you have a positive experience on the site. It explains what is done with your information.

3. Read return and refund warranties and policies. Find out if the company offers an extended return policy during the holidays. Check for restocking fees and what you're on the hook for if you have to pay to ship the item back. If there are stores, find out if gifts can be returned directly to store locations, instead of shipping back online.

4. Ensure site is safe. Look for signs the site is secure, such as a padlock icon at the bottom of the screen. When you're in the checkout area, be sure the address has changed from http to https (the s stands for secure).

5. Protect personal info. Don't give any information that isn't related to your purchase. And never send your address and credit card information via email; it's not nearly as safe as a secure site.

6. Find out the real cost. Many e-tailers offer free shipping — just check to see if there's a minimum amount you have to spend to be eligible. Watch for processing fees that are charged to place your order. If buying from other countries, ask merchants to mark your packages as "gifts" to avoid duty charges at customs.

7. Consider your method of payment. Use a third-party service, such as PayPal, or pay by credit card. There's more protection than sending a money order or wire.

8. Keep a paper trail. Print the product description, receipts, email confirmations and any correspondence with the company. And check your credit card statements.

Originally published in Today's Parent, December 2008