Shopping Last Minute?

If you've procrastinated (or been too busy) this year and haven't gotten your loved ones the perfect holiday gifts yet, don't worry. Even though the days are quickly counting down, there's still time to find great presents, and take advantage of special deals.

Chocolate, flowers and even books all make excellent gift choices for those who have everything. Another great idea that will work perfectly for most members of your family is a gift certificate for iTunes. These options are all available online, so you don't have to leave the office or your house, deal with traffic or wait in line with all the other last-minute shoppers.

Retail Web sites will give you information about the deadline for ground shipping, or the charges for next-day delivery. Make sure you look for discount codes for free shipping or quick delivery. Many companies offer shipping directly on the holiday, giving your gift a "10" for perfect timing.

In addition, shopping online allows you to use coupons or even get cash back when shopping on sites like Ebates.com. For example, if you decide to purchase a box of chocolates from Godiva through Ebates, you can receive a check at the end of the quarter for 8 percent of your purchase. That's in addition to coupons for discounts and free shipping. Or how about 12 percent cash back plus coupons for flowers ordered from FTD through Ebates?

If you're shopping for magazines or books for the reader in your house, don't forget to check out Barnes and Noble coupons, Magazines.com or Borders online for excellent deals on your loved one's favorite authors. With next-day delivery, you can have that book wrapped and under the tree in excellent time for the holiday, and no one would know that you did your shopping last minute.

This holiday, don't let your late planning put you into the doghouse with your loved ones. And stay within your budget by being smart about your shopping. Make sure you get the best deals through coupons and discount codes or through cash-back options.