Bargains For The Holidays May Be Just Clicks Away

With the economy in a tailspin, consumers may be looking for every edge they can get this holiday season when they shop for bargains.

Many are heading to the Web, where retail sales are expected to reach $44 billion in November and December, Forrester Research said last month. That's a 12 percent increase over last holiday season, but online retailers are accustomed to bigger gains.

Even consumers who don't shop online are using the Web to save time and money.

In a discussion forum on FatWallet.com, a coupon sharing site, shoppers are collaborating on a printable Excel spreadsheet of Black Friday deals, which can be sorted by store, product, price and what time the item goes on sale. On Bargainist.com, shoppers can sign up to receive text-message alerts about the latest deals so they can make a break for them whether they're at home or out shopping.

Want to get in on the savings? Here are some Web sites that can help you find coupons, discount codes, free shipping and the lowest price out there, even if you prefer to pound the pavement to find the perfect gift.

FREE SHIPPING SITES

• FreeShipping.org: www.freeshipping.org

• Free Shipping On: www.freeshippingon.com

• PriceGrabber's free shipping section: http://freeshipping.pricegrabber.com

DISCOUNT GIFT CARDS

• Restaurant.com: www.restaurant.com/

• Swap A Gift: www.swapagift.com

• eBay: http://gift-certificates.shop.ebay.com

TRENDY GIFTS

• Urban Outfitters' sale section: www.urbanoutfitters.com

• ThisNext: www.thisnext.com/guides/holiday

• Wrapables: www.wrapables.com

ELECTRONICS

• Apple's refurbished section: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals (Or go to Apple.com, type "Deals" in search box.)

• Gizmodo's gadget deals of the day: http://gizmodo.com/tag/dealzmodo

• CNet Reviews (includes current price comparison and links to retailers): http://reviews.cnet.com

TOYS

• PriceGrabber: http://toys.pricegrabber.com

• Amazon: www.amazon.com

• eToys: www.etoys.com

TAMPA BAY SPECIFIC

• Rays and Devil Rays gear on clearance from MLB.com: http://shop.mlb.com

• Cigar humidors and accessories (has imperfect and closeouts sections): www.tampahumidor.com

ONLINE COUPON SITES

• Fat Wallet: www.fatwallet.com

• DealTaker: www.dealtaker.com/blackfriday.html

• The Bargainist: www.bargainist.com

• PriceGrabber: www.pricegrabber.com

• BizRate: www.bizrate.com