For those of you who did not make it out of bed for the early Black Friday deals, have no fear — there are still ways to get all of the shopping done before the holidays.

Many stores famous for their Black Friday deals are also participating in Cyber Monday on Nov. 25.

Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to online shopping deals, and, unlike Black Friday, you will not have to wake up before the crack of dawn to get the best savings.

In fact, you do not even need to get out of bed.

WalMart, Kohl’s, Target, Best Buy, Staples, Macy’s, Lowe’s, and nearly all stores with online shopping available are participating in Cyber Monday.

Many iPhone and Android Apps are available to compare prices and tell what stores are offering certain deals.

Searching for deals online will ease the stress of holiday shopping, even after Cyber Monday is over. It can actually save money, especially since many stores offer free shipping during the holidays. It is like going to a virtual mall — no fight for a parking space needed.

If you will be giving out gift cards this year, think about where to purchase them.

Kroger gives one fuel point with every dollar purchased, including money spent on gift cards — nothing like saving money on gasoline while spreading holiday cheer.

Also, almost every established restaurant offers some kind of gift card special.

Around the holidays, restaurants will usually give some kind of free dollar amount for every amount purchased in gift cards.

Whether in stores or online, gift-wrapped or gift card, remember the most thoughtful, money-saving gifts come with planning ahead.

Not everyone can make handmade knit sweaters for their loved ones this season, but you can stretch your dollar if you price check items at other stores before you swipe your credit card.

Many stores will price match their items, meaning that if shoppers find that same product at a competitive store at a lower price, the original store will meet that lower price.

Many stores will refund your money if you can bring in the original receipt.

J.C. Penney Co., Best Buy, WalMart, Target, Kohl’s and other stores will price match, at least in most circumstances during the holiday season.

Take the initiative to make a list and check it twice before heading out to your family holiday gathering.

After all the holiday shopping is over, there are going to be two types of gift givers: those who planned ahead and gave thoughtful, appreciated gifts for the holidays, and then there are going to be those who blindly chose gifts from the pre-wrapped body wash and soap basket aisle at WalMart.

That being said, for all of you who will wait until the absolute latest moment to buy a gift, here are some tips.

Do not go to the mall without any idea what you want to buy. Do not assume that the perfect last-minute gift idea will magically come to you once you get to a store. This is a mistake.

Instead, browse through catalogues and advertisements to local stores. You can also look at local stores’ websites. Most companies’ online products can be found in stores, as well.

Do not shop online if it is 10 days before you want to give your gift. While shopping online is a great way to save time and money, it is only useful if it is done in advance.

Keep in mind that weekends and holidays are not accounted for in five-to-seven day shipping.

Find a babysitter. It is hard enough hiding Santa’s gifts while your kids are sitting in the cart. However, even if you are a master of distraction, no child wants to help you decide what color pajama bottoms to buy granny this year. You are setting your child up for failure, and you are unlikely to get any shopping done at all.

Know what the person you are buying a gift for actually likes. Nothing says, “I have no idea what you are into these days” more than giving your 15-year-old niece that generic Barbie doll. Do not be that aunt or uncle.

Pick up the phone and call her parents. More than likely, they will be able to point you in the right direction, or, at the very least, the right store to buy a gift card.

By BRITTANY POWELL

Features Editor

bripowel@ius.edu