Shop online to save you time

by Molly Dempsey

Take the stress out of holiday shopping this year by putting your computer to work. By now, you've heard that shopping online is all the rage, but it's getting late and you're thinking you don't have time to wait for all those packages to arrive at your door. Well fix yourself a cup of cheer, sit back, and go for a surf. Here's a list of some great shopping sites that can still guarantee delivery before the big day.

Love to read
It may seem like computers have overshadowed more traditional media, but the printed page is far from dead. Bookstores abound on the Web, and how can you fail with every subject under the sun at your fingertips? Everyone's interested in something.

We found a cupcake cookbook (for Aunt Elsa the cupcake queen) at a bargain price from amazon.com.

How about Oprah's latest book club pick for your mom? Toss it in your basket for next to nothing at barnesandnoble.com.

Both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com can ship 24-hour items by next-day shipping as late as December 22 (U.S. orders only).

Love to listen
Buying music can be tricky, but holiday music comes in all styles. Tower Records has everything from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Eve to the Jewish Wedding Band's A Child's Hanukkah. Tower can ship as late as December 23 for delivery December 24. (No guaranteed delivery time for international orders.)

Fashion slaves
You can't lose with basics from The Gap. Even your cousin's baby can be decked out in a puffy coat ("the warmest jacket") and khakis ("flat front pants" in "sand") that swing, or rock, or whatever. (Maybe all that movement will put the little gremlin to sleep during the holiday feast!) Order by 5:00 P.M. eastern time, December 19 for guaranteed delivery by December 24. The Gap does not accept international orders.

Gadget hounds
Hammacher Schlemmer caters to the canine with a dog water fountain and krypton-lighted leash. Your brother and his dog will thank you for making their walks a little safer and their water a little cleaner.

The site offers all kinds of gadgets to entertain your human friends as well. Try a portable DVD player (to bring your dad into this century) or a cashmere robe (to go with the Oprah book you bought for your mom). Standard orders here are processed within 24 hours, and will arrive in 3 to 5 business days. Express Delivery and Next Day Delivery are available. International shipping information is available by telephone.

Random stuff
911gifts.com is the place to go when you're truly stumped and you need something fast. The site is organized in several ways: by relationship (romantic for him/her, for kids, for boss, etc.), by occasion, and by department. Try The American Bar Book for the boss who needs a little help in the drink-mixing arena. The quickgift option guarantees your gift will be shipped out the same day. 911gifts.com does not accept international orders.

Godiva Chocolatier will make your mouth water. You can almost smell the Praliné Caramel Paola in the Christmas Ballotin. Order by 9:00 A.M. on December 23, choose 24-hour shipping, and you're in with the chocoholics on your list. Godiva ships only within the United States.

Relax
There are plenty more sites out there that offer express delivery, and not just for holidays. If your brother's birthday sneaks up on you next month, just hop on the Web and surprise him with a gift delivered to his dorm room. Look at it this way: The more you shop online, the less time you have to spend at the mall.  We like that idea.

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