By Helen A.S. Popkin
Introduction
Well, look at that, you’ve done it again. The holidays are here and you are behind in everything — gifts, cards and even coming up with a plan to deal with the season’s inevitable pitfalls and finding company for the winter blues. Never fear, the Internet is here to save you. Of course, when it comes to the inevitable nightmare that is the airline industry, you’re on your own, suckers. But the World Wide Web does offer easy solutions that, most importantly, don’t involve going to the mall. ";
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www.amazon.com
Well, duh. One of the first e-shopping meccas is still one of the best when it comes to last-minute purchase. First, there’s the infinite selection. Why bother battling the shopping malls for that in-demand toy when you can doubtlessly find it on Amazon. Meanwhile, the upper right corner of the home page immediately alerts you to days left for “FREE Super Saver Shipping” in time for Xmas. Click on “restrictions apply” and you’re brought to drop-dead shipping deadlines and all applicable fees — no rude surprises at check out. And if you’re stumped on what to buy, Amazon’s gift guide is one of the most frighteningly accurate on the Web — well, at least if you’re shopping for a stereotype. Browsing categories include gender, age, relationship and price ranges. ";
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www.etsy.com
They say the best gifts are the ones you make yourself. But if you haven’t got a creative bone in your body, why not buy that unique gift from someone who does? Etsy, “an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade,” offers an endless number of amazing crafts from all manner of craftspeople to fit any taste and price range. From a handmade koi journal ($22) to a Frida Kahlo-inspired pearl necklace ($120), there is something for everyone. “But I’m running out of time!” you say? Etsy allows you to search its stores by ZIP code. If you’re lucky, you can sweet talk your local craftsperson into a quick ship or pick-up-in-person scenario. ";
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www.kodakgallery.com
If you’re like me, you have yet to order your customized holiday cards featuring your herd of rescue pugs (let alone line those little fat bags up for the photos). Kodak Gallery is an intuitive, easy-to-use, customized card site that allows you to upload your photos and design your cards using a large variety of templates covering a range of price points. While you’re there, why not slap those holiday photos on a mug or a T-shirt for a last-minute stocking stuffer? If you’re really cutting it close, the site offers both rush shipping (for an extra fee) and pickup from participating Target stores. ";
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www.zipcar.com
So you’re all grown up, with a college degree and a real job — but Mom and Dad still aren’t over the time you dinged the Monte Carlo back in high school. If you’re home for the holidays and you want to go out on your own but don’t want the hassle or expense of a full-on rental car, check out Zipcar. The service allows you to rent a car by the hour or day, and includes gas, insurance and reserved parking. You can even play the big shot by grabbing a BMW for the day. It’s not perfect — some users complain about restrictive policies — so as always, read the fine print before you hand over your credit card. ";
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www.couchsurfing.com
So you’re home for the holidays — but so is every annoying person to whom you’re related. Need a break from the crowd you know all too well? Check out the CouchSurfing Project, “a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit” and meet somebody new. This free hospitality network boasts more than 780,000 members in 232 countries and territories, so odds are pretty good there’s an open sofa in your hometown. The online commmunity features profiles, a vouching and references network and a credit card verification system. For the cautiously shy, the site offers extensive tip guides from couch surfing veterans — everything from tips for solo women (or men), families, gays and lesbians, vegans, and of course, how to be a good guest (hey, maybe you can share that one with your relatives). ";
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craigslist.org
Yes, Craigslist! No, not because of that crusty box of REM cassettes some guy agreed to leave out for you on his doorstop. Seriously, no one wants that under the tree. Look, not everyone has the luxury of going home or being with friends and family for the holidays. If you find yourself alone and lonely during this alleged merriest time of year, check out your local Craigslist personals for some company. We don’t mean “Dominate Santa seeks naughty reindeer.” There’s an entire “strictly plutonic” section for a fellow human being who wants to see “Twilight” but doesn’t want to go alone. (And of course, always, always, always follow the Craigslist safety tips.) ";
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