Free Shipping Day

We've all gone gaga for a pair of socks or gushed over the bath towel Aunt Cindy brought back from her trip, but let's be honest; electronics are the gift everyone wants. According to the National Retail Federation, these coveted items are so in-demand they showed up on more than 35 percent of wish lists. In all likelihood, those who already have an Xbox or iPad wouldn't be disappointed to find another wrapped under the tree.

Though it's nearly impossible to go wrong handing out tablets and Blu-ray players, high prices will blow your budget to bits. To ease the impact this holiday season, try some of these tips for saving on electronics.

1. Haggling Helps
One of the most powerful tactics to use use as a consumer is walking away. It's amazing how quickly a steadfast salesperson discounts prices that can't possibly get any lower when you call their bluff. A recent study by Consumer Reports shows shoppers who haggled saved an average of $82, so clearly there's little to lose by at least asking. Read more

Clearly shopping "click" instead of "brick" has taken over this year. Online shopping went through the roof from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, and it looks like only holiday shopping deadlines will slow things down.

Naturally, consumers can always depend on Free Shipping Day, the one-day event on Dec. 16 when they can shop from more than 2,000 merchants with delivery by Christmas Eve. Other stores offer extended deadlines, however. FreeShipping.org put together a comprehensive list of 170 merchant holiday deadlines, including dates for standard and express shipping as well as the date offering the fastest shipping with delivery by Christmas.

Best Buy
Standard: Dec. 20, 11 a.m. EST
Express: Dec. 21, 11 a.m. EST
Fastest: Dec. 22, 11 a.m. EST

Cabela's
Standard: Dec. 16
Express: Dec. 20, 9 p.m. CST
Fastest: Dec. 22, 11:30 a.m. CST

Lands' End
Standard: Dec. 14
Express: Dec. 19
Fastest: Dec. 21 Read more