Guide to Christmas shopping online

Stressing about your Christmas shopping? Don't be, even if you're an online virgin you can get all your goodies from the Internet.

Your presents will be delivered direct to your door - or your desk. And lots of stores even offer a gift-wrapping service. Yes, really.

Most online retailers have found alternative delivery services so you don't need to worry about postal strikes - just double check before you buy.

So, what's stopping you? Here's our beginner's guide to online shopping...ready, set, get browsing!

AMAZON
BEST FOR: BARGAIN BUYS
Amazon.co.uk is one of the best shopping sites on the web, but don't think this giant e-tailer's only good for cheap books and CDs - you can also pick up everything from clothing to compost (yes, really!) One of the best things about Amazon is the price - you can find books and films for pennies, plus postage (although if you spend over a certain amount, you can get free postage), and they'll be delivered in days.

EBAY
BEST FOR: VINTAGE FINDS
If you're looking for a truly unique present, eBay.co.uk is the place for you. Anything and everything is available on this vast auction site so whether you're looking for a Spiderman annual from 1982, or a '50s beaded clutch, you'll find it here. eBay is an auction site, where you bid the maximum amount you are willing to pay for an item, then wait til the end of the auction to find out if your bid was successful, but many sellers offer a 'buy it now' option where you can snap up the object of your desire straight away.

ASOS
BEST FOR: HASSLE-FREE FASHION
Topshop might rule the high street, but Asos.com most definitely rules the web. The online fashion retailer started out selling copies of celebs' outfits but now you'll find the latest labels, top designer brands and collaborations too, plus beauty products and kids' clothing. There's a nifty video function where you can watch the clothes being modelled on a catwalk to give you a sense of what they really look like. The returns policy is simple and straightforward, meaning you can avoid changing room hell and shop with confidence.

CAPTAIN CASH
There are plenty of ways to make your budget stretch that little bit further by shopping online and the Captain Cash site is a great place to start. Sign up and you'll be able to take advantage of fabulous deals, plus the chance to earn cashback while you spend. Hundreds of online retailers offer cashback and discounts via Captain Cash, including eBay and all your high street favourites, so you can save while you spend. This week if you shop at spend over £25 at woolworths.co.uk via the Captain Cash site, you'll receive a £5 discount.

STAY SAFE
The most important thing to remember when shopping online is security; you'd watch out for pickpockets if you were on the high street, and shopping online is no different. Dodgy sellers and credit card fraudsters are an annoying reality on the internet, so always make sure your purchases are secure and protected.

When making a purchase from an individual seller on a website like eBay, always check their feedback to make sure they haven't dealt poorly with customers in the past - look out for evidence of late deliveries and failure to supply items as they were advertised or to honour refunds.

You'll never be sent an email from an online retailer asking you to disclose your password, credit card or bank details. You will only ever need to enter this information on the retailer's website, so any emails asking you for this information are fraudulent - do not reply to them!

Paypal.com is a secure online service that means you don't have to constantly re-enter your card details when shopping on sites like eBay and other online retailers. Once you've registered your bank account or credit card details on Paypal, you just need to select Paypal as your payment method when shopping online. You'll be asked to log in to your Paypal account with your email address and the password you created to confirm the payment. Your bank details won't be passed on to the seller or retailer, increasing your security.

NEXT WEEK: Don't miss our pick of the best webby wonders - these secret sites are perfect for picking up stylish, unique Christmas pressies!

• Escape your jingle hell this Christmas!

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