Deck the Halls with Visa Bills!

I have to admit, I'm not the most technologically advanced person around. For those of you that know me, this isn't exactly a revelation, it's common knowledge. However, some people (like my Mother, for example) seem to think I'm more skilled than I am. Which is fine with me, even though it's just not true. I know enough to get by, but my short attention span doesn't lend itself well to dealing with technical blips and techno lingo.

This lack of knowledge also applies to web shopping. This is always something that I've always been afraid of (probably partly because of my lack of technical knowledge), but always admired other people for doing. I've always been the one watching from afar while others raved about their $2 toaster from Amazon.com or their successful bid on a lock of Justin Timberlake's hair on eBay (these are purely fictional and ridiculous examples, note...my friends aren't THAT dorky).

However, I've slowly warmed up to the idea and have stuck my foot (well maybe just the end of my big toe) in the door of online shopping. As technology, and online security, has gotten better and better, and my reading of popular magazines has reached epic proportions, I have both become more comfortable with shopping online and more knowledeable about what is out there. I'm still no expert of course, but I thought I would share some of my favourite sites with you. Especially since I'm sure many of you are reflections of my old, net-shopping-phobic self. And for those of you that aren't, maybe you'll at least pick up some good ideas for Christmas gifts, or at least get a bit of entertainment from the girl who's techno-savvy is stuck in 2005.

http://www.amazon.ca/ (Ok, I know I'm WAY behind the times on this one, but they have such great deals on DVD's it's worth mentioning. You can also usually, and magically, find long lost music, tv, and movie titles which is great! Plus, shipping takes like 2 days!)

http://www.photoworks.com/ (Read about this one in InStyle magazine - you just sign up for free and you have dozens of photo gifts to choose from, from mugs to mousepads. You can even upload any photos you want into a professional, coffee-table book-esque "photo book" that costs like $30! Such a good idea...either that or a photo calendar with your favourite snapshots. Way more personal and customized then a stripey reindeer sweater)

http://www.wishingfish.com/ (Doorganizer, anyone? This is just one of hundreds of unique and handy items you will find at this quirky site. Perfect for a friend or family member who appreciates different, creative gifts for their home, office, bath, or bedroom. Some of the super cute inventory includes record label coasters, monogrammed toilet paper, "This is F**king Urgent" rubber doc stamp, and paper shampoo - need I go on? Also see http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/)

http://www.findgift.com/ (Besides the obvious name, this site lists important upcoming holidays and gives you dozens of categories of possible gifts to give for them. You can tell the "Gift Wizard" who your gift is for, and even specify a price range, and he will give you a bunch of suggestions based on occasion, type, and expression - thank you, miss you, etc. They even have a "hard to buy for category" to help you figure out what to buy your boss's, aunt's, chiropractor's, cat sitter's brother)

http://www.hallmark.com/ (Ok, I know this one is fairly obvious, and a bit parochial, but hey if you only have 5 minutes and zero dollars it's perfect! Go to this site and send someone an e-card - it's free, personalized, quick, and so cute! It really perks up someone's day to get one of these in an e-mail, especially if it's not for any particular occasion but "You're Great!" or "Thinking of You!". Trust me...just send yourself one if you don't believe me and see how it instantly improves your mood! Or send me one...please)