Monday the 26th of November is "Cyber Monday" - traditionally the date that kicks off the Christmas shopping season. This isn't the busiest day of the year for online shopping (that's usually somewhere around the 10th of December according to Shopsafe statistics) but it's when everyone seems to start their Christmas shopping in earnest. So it you haven't started yet, you've only got a few days before the rush begins!

Christmas is supposed to be a relaxing time of year, but rushing round the shops without a clue of what to buy anyone is far from that. Avoid the Christmas crowds and do your Christmas shopping from home this year - more and more poeple are doing it every year.

Here are Shopsafe's top ten tips for Christmas Shopping online:

1- Start early. Imagine the satisfaction of finishing your Christmas shopping before the holidays begin. And before all the good stuff gets sold out.

2- Set yourself a budget. Christmas is a time for goodwill, so don't upset your credit card company.

3- Check Christmas delivery dates. If you are buying presents to be delivered directly to friends and family make sure they arrive on time.

4- Get items gift wrapped, even if you're having them sent to you it will save you the effort of doing it.

5- Check for free delivery. Order early and be smug.

6- If delivery isn't free then order more than one thing from a web site to save on the costs. Easy as mince pie!

7- Print out and keep your order confirmations, just in case you need them.

8- If you're cooking at home order your Christmas food shopping online. Get it delivered and don't waste your time in a supermarket checkout.

9- Finish all your shopping early and then join the holiday celebrations!

10- And get yourself something nice. Christmas is a time for giving, and that includes you!

We sent our first Christmas shopping newsletter yesterday, describing some of the best offers, gift ideas and voucher codes available to make your Christmas shopping easier.

If you missed it, you can find it here.

If you want to receive future newsletters make sure you register with us. We only send you mail when we've got something good to say.

This Christmas online shoppers are predicted to spend £500 each online as they ignore the cold, busy high street and turn to online shopping instead.

The UK top is of the league of European countries for internet retail, helped by the huge broadband uptake and the number of high quality, safe online shopping sites there are in the UK.