Cyber Monday, Green Monday, Holiday Shopping, Online!

Ever since 2005, Cyber Monday has been the busiest day of the year for holiday shopping online? On every Monday following Thanksgiving Cyber Monday occurs. Some of you may have also heard of Green Monday. Green Monday is similar to Cyber Monday in the sense that you can shop online and find great deals. Green Monday occurs on the 2^nd Monday of December and was also the idea of Ebay, though many stores now participate. The date Green Monday is held on is essentially considered the last day before Christmas in which you can receive your online shopping bounty, and have it arrive in time without expedited shipping. It is all too easy to get overwhelmed by the entire hullabaloo of Cyber Monday and Green Monday, especially if you are new to shopping online. Keep these four online shopping pearls of wisdom in mind to help you shop smart.

• Newsletters & E-Newsletters: Get on the Bandwagon

Be sure to subscribe to any newsletters or e-newsletters that your favorite stores off at least two weeks prior to Cyber Monday and Green Monday. These publications will usually give special promo codes and discounts that you would not be able to find otherwise.

• Don’t Just Shop Anywhere!

Just because you are seeing killer deals everywhere does not mean you shouldn’t be selective in where you shop. If you really want to save big this holiday season, you need to purchase from stores who offer the best deals and discounts that you can find. Why purchase the same item from a store than may offer free shipping as well as coupon codes than go with the weaker competition? In other words, be sure you are getting the best deal before you purchase.

• Compare Those Prices

This pearl of wisdom is especially important when you are purchasing an expensive holiday gift. Remember that the whole purpose of Cyber Monday and Green Monday is to save money on items that you normally wouldn’t be able to. Take the few extra moments to search through other stores and you just might find a better price once you combine promo codes and discounts.

• Coupon and Discount Codes Are the Key

Even when shopping outside of the holiday season, always look for any coupon codes or promo codes you can take advantage of. They are the key to saving more on items and shipping. Always keep an eye out for promo codes when you can. If you are having a hard time finding codes for a certain store, look it up online! You’ll be surprised at what you can find.

Cyber Monday and Green Monday are the two most efficient ways (and days!) to shop online during the 2011 holiday season. With amazing deals and discounts just waiting to be found, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save compared to shopping in store. Plus, would you rather do some holiday shopping in you PJs with a mug of cocoa, or standing in a long line in a hectic store with pushy people? I know how I’ll be shopping this 2011 holiday season. What about you?