If you hate the Christmas crowd, online shopping is a great solution that lets you find something special for your loved ones from the comfort of your couch. Here are some tips that will make your holiday shopping online more fun and less stressful:

Check the retailer's reputation

Before you shop, do some investigating to make sure you are buying from a reputable site. Use the search engine to read up on customer reviews and feedback; ensure the company has a customer service hotline and/or email; check out its terms and conditions and returns policy. If you are in doubt, it's better to take your shopping elsewhere.

Shop early

Even though most online retailers will provide an estimated delivery date for your order and aim to deliver by this date, remember it's just that -- an estimate. Mail sometimes gets delayed, especially during the peak season, so purchase early to ensure you have the gifts in time for Christmas.

List and consolidate

Make a shopping list to ensure you don't forget anyone, plan all the gifts you want to buy, then do the shopping. Most of the time, it's cheaper to buy everything you need in a single purchase, so you don't incur additional shipping charges.

Save with voucher

Don't forget to take advantage of voucher and promo codes for further savings. Use these codes during checkout and you could save a percentage off your total spend, get one-for-one deals, or enjoy free shipping. You can find these discount codes by searching online for any ongoing promos from your retailer or visit specialist voucher websites such as retailmenot.com and myvouchercodes.co.uk.