Once again, it is that time of year when I write my annual 'Online Holiday Shopping' column and we all go out and brave the crowds and long lines to buy presents for our loved ones.

I know there are those out there still holding off, not feeling confident about purchasing online. But, it is estimated that over $5 billion will be spent online this holiday season. And, with a few simple guidelines and pointers, you will find it safe, easy and fun to buy online.

The first step to making safe purchases online is to make sure you are on a secure site. It is normal for the products and general pages to not be secure, but, as soon as you enter the checkout and credit card processing part of the order, the site should switch over to the secure server.

Usually your site will indicate with a pop-up message that you have entered or left a secure section of the server but you will know when you see the small lock in the bottom of your browser window switch from being open to locked. You may also notice that the Web address will switch from http:// to https:// in the location bar.

Another thing to remember is that most credit cards will protect you from any purchases you make over the Internet as well as any unauthorized purchases made on the Web using your information. It is a good idea to check the policy with your specific card but in most cases your credit card will protect you while making Internet purchases.

You may also want to check the Web site's privacy policy. Today it is considered bad business to resell or give out your email address or other information you give to a Web company but reviewing their privacy policy will make it clear what they will and will not do with the information you provide.

So, now that you know what to look out for, where do you begin shopping?

Consumer Reports has released their top picks for ecommerce and shopping sites. Most of these sites have huge selections of products but this report narrowed down the best sites for specific categories.

Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) was rated the best source for books and music. These guys have been around longer than most and are very reputable.

For toys, eToys (www.etoys.com) got the top pick.

For outdoor goods, well respected REI (www.rei.com) is Consumer Reports recommendation.

And, finally, for electronics, 800.com (www.800.com) was the choice.

If you are looking for a more local, unique gift, you can shop online at some of our Yuma area online stores.

At Associated Citrus Packers (www.citrusgiftpack.com) you can order from a wide variety of citrus options and have them shipped all over the nation.

Western Date Ranches (www.medjooldates.com) has a similar set-up where you can ship a variety of sizes and styles of dates.

At Flags-Etc (www.flags-etc.com) you can choose from 1000's of products. You will be sure to find a great gift for anyone on any budget here.

Finally, visit Top-Decor (www.top-decor.com). This site offers a large variety of southwestern products for the home. They specialize in high quality, hand-crafted items and will ship anywhere in the world.

But what about that person that you just can't find a good gift for? Well, the Internet has stepped up and addressed this age old problem with a few new sites this year. They specialize in finding gifts based on basic input describing the person and their interests. Once you enter the information, these sites will return a list of products that fit your description.

To use this service, visit Present Picker (www.presentpicker.com), GiftMe.com (www.giftme.com) or Giftmania (www.giftmania).

Well, there you have it. No excuse to not shop online and ways to do it in a safe, fun, easy environment.