There has never been a better time to do all your Christmas shopping via the web and you are bound to find a gift to suit any family member or friend, even those that are notoriously hard to buy for.

Our top tips for gift buying

Order Early?.

Shopping on the internet means you are sometimes relying on the postal service to deliver all your precious gifts on time. Make sure you check with the website when their last delivery day for Christmas is, you don't want to spend hours surfing all the wonderful gift websites only to have your items not arrive in time for Christmas. Try and give at least 10 days for your order to arrive, especially if it is a personalized gift.

Be aware of delivery costs?.

Although you will be able to pick up some great bargains on the web, remember to factor in the delivery charge. These can be anything from ?1 to ?5 or even more. Look for sites that offer free delivery if possible or delivery of all your items for under ?2.

Find an unusual gift?

Now you are at your computer, cup of tea at your side, make sure you use the internet to your full advantage to find something extra special that you would never find on your local high street. This is where the internet comes into its own. Even typing the word ?unusual gift' into your chosen search engine brings up thousands of websites and gives you the chance to surf around until you find what is right for you. Remember to compare websites that are offering the same gift, some may offer more choice while others may charge you more. The beauty of the internet is that you can purchase a really unique gift from the other end of the country, without even stepping out of your front door.

Personalize your gift?

Buying a personalized gift on the internet could not be easier. They show that you have taken the time to find a gift specifically for that special someone. Personalized gifts can be anything from a personalized football book, personalized calendar and even a personalized mug. Simply type the name and message, click to buy and wait for the postman. Although personalized gifts cannot be delivered immediately, they are certainly worth the wait, many being delivered as quickly as 5 working days. Be aware of certain websites charging for personalization. Many offer a free personalization service, so start surfing.

Surprise someone?

If you don't manage to personally deliver all your Christmas presents this year you are in luck. Many gift websites gift you the option of inputting an alternative delivery address to your card's billing address. This way you can order your gift and have it delivered directly to a friend or relative. Clever sites do not include an invoice in the packaging, you do not want your friends to know how much you have spent do you?

Finally, take your time?

If you are patient you should be able to find the perfect gift website to suit all your needs. All budgets are covered and to save you time look for a site that sells gifts for everyone rather than just gifts for women or gifts for men. Save yourself days of trawling the shops with just a few precious hours on the internet.