Of course, you thanked your great-aunt profusely for the horrible sweater that doesn’t fit you, but now that Christmas is over, what are you going to do with it? If the price tags are still on it, you can exchange it for a different size, for something else, or possibly even return it for cash!

1. Act quickly! Depending on what the item is, you may have anywhere from two weeks to three months to return or exchange it. If you’re looking for a different size in a clothing item, you should also act quickly, since many stores are phasing out their winter clothing after Christmas and sizes will be extremely limited.
2. Exchange gift cards! As gift cards grow in popularity, more people are receiving gift cards that they aren’t very excited about. Luckily, there are many options for unwanted gift cards. They can be sold - often for close to face value - on eBay, or use sites like Swapagift.com to exchange or sell gift cards.
3. Be careful with your gifts. Damaged items, missing price tags, or opened shrink wrap are all factors that could make your gifts difficult to return. Electronics should not be out of the package at all, if possible.
4. Return the gifts to the right place. If the gift was bought online or through a catalog, make sure you send it back to the correct address for returns. This information can probably be found on the receipt, as well as the company’s address.
5. Sell them! If all else fails, you can always try selling your gifts on eBay. Just make sure that the original giver doesn’t find out!

With Christmas looming, are you realizing that you don’t have enough money for all the gifts you want to get? Don’t worry. Here at Deal Locker, we understand the importance of a budget and have some ideas

1. Food Gifts. Everybody loves Christmas cookies, Christmas pies, and Christmas breads. Shortbread cookies are a good bet, as is cranberry orange bread, mince pie, and pumpkin pie. Coupons for a home-cooked meal are always appreciated.
2. Do-it-yourself food. Cookies in a jar is a fun gift - take a Mason jar and add each dry ingredient in a layer. Screw the lid on the jar, and decorate it with fabric and ribbon. Attach the recipe. The layers make it a beautiful gift, and it will be easy for the recipient to make cookies! Another idea is to make bags of apple cider spices.
3. Use your talents. If you are a knitter or a crocheter, make scarves or hats. If you don’t have time, use the coupon idea again, and tell the recipient that he or she can pick out the yarn and style of what they want.
4. Recipes. Back on the food theme, collect family recipes - all of those ones on index cards that are lying around in your kitchen collecting dust - and type them up, making a family cookbook. Places like Office Max will “publish” them very nicely for a low price.
5. Create gift baskets. Some trial size lotions and a few pretty soaps can be put in a basket with some tissue paper or cellophane and tied with a ribbon. It is low cost, but the time and effort put into it makes it a beautiful gift.
6. Photographs. Take some of those boxes of family photos or print out some photos off the computer, and make them into an album or frame them.
7. Coupons. Not coupons for a store - these coupons are for your loved ones who could use time or help more than more stuff lying around. Create a book of homemade coupons. Some ideas: a coupon for a night of babysitting, foot massage, a coupon for a specific household chore, or a coupon for an afternoon walk. Sometimes actions are truly better than things.

Of course if you need the other kind of coupons, those to save money when you buy stuff, you can find online coupons codes here. However, these gift ides will cost you little or nothing, but make a big impact on your friends and loved ones!

Are you still working on your Christmas shopping? I may have been procrastinating a little. If you have been waiting and you are worried about things shipping on time, we put together this list to make your life a little easier. We have made a list of “order by” dates for delivery on or before December 24! All times are Eastern Standard times and delivery refers to US only.

• Aeropostale Order by noon on Wednesday, December 19 using third day shipping, and noon on Friday, December 21 for one day shipping! Aeropostale coupons
• Ala Zing Order by Wednesday, December 19 using expedited deliver, and by 10 pm Friday, December 21 for overnight delivery! Ala Zing coupons
• Amazon Order by 6 pm on Thursday, December 20 for free two-day shipping and 4 pm Saturday, December 22 for one-day shipping! Amazon coupons
• Bath and Body Works Order by 11:59 pm on Monday, December 17 for ground delivery, 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 19 for 2nd day delivery, and 11:59 pm on Thursday, December 20 for next day delivery! Bath and Bodyworks coupons
• Best Buy Order by 11 am on Thursday, December 20 using standard or expedited shipping, or 11 am on Friday, December 21 using express shipping! Best Buy coupons
• The Container Store Order by 9 pm Tuesday, December 18 using expedited shipping! Container Store coupons
• Dell Order by Thursday, December 20 for 2nd business day shipping and Friday, December 21 for next business day shipping! Dell.com coupons
• Dick’s Sporting Goods Order by noon on Wednesday, December 19 using third day shipping, and noon on Friday, December 21 for one day shipping! Dick’s Sporting Goods coupons
• Foot Locker Order by Tuesday, December 18 for free shipping or Thursday, December 20 for express delivery! Foot Locker coupons
• Frederick’s of Hollywood Order by 3 pm on Friday, December 14 for standard shipping, 3 pm on Thursday, December 20 for 2nd day shipping, and 3pm on Friday, December 21 for overnight shipping! Frederick’s coupons
• GameStop Order by Wednesday, December 19 for ground shipping, Thursday, December 20 for 2 day shipping and Friday, December 21 for 1-day shipping! GameStop coupons
• JC Penney Order by Monday, December 17 for free shipping! JC Penney coupons
• Kohl’s Order by 11 pm on Monday, December 17 for standard delivery and 2 pm on Wednesday, December 19 for priority delivery! Kohl’s coupons
• Lands’ End Order by Wednesday, December 19 using standard shipping, Thursday, December 20 using Express UPS, and 11 am on Saturday, December 22 using Express UPS am! Lands’ End coupons
• LEGO Order by Monday, December 17 for DHL 2nd day shipping, and Wednesday, December 19 for DHL next day shipping! LEGO coupons
• Macy’s Order by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 19 for standard delivery, 11:59 pm on Thursday, December 20 for 2-day delivery, and 11:59 pm on Saturday, December 22 for express overnight delivery! Macy’s coupons
• Nike Order by noon on Thursday, December 20! Nike coupons
• Omaha Steaks Order by Wednesday, December 19 using expedited delivery or by Friday, December 21 for overnight delivery! Omaha Steaks coupons
• Online Shoes Order by Wednesday, December 19 for 3-day shipping, Thursday, December 20 for 2-day shipping, and Friday, December 21 for next day air! Online Shoes.com coupons
• Overstock Order by Monday, December 17 for free ground shipping, by Wednesday, December 19 for 2-day shipping, and by noon on Friday, December 21 for overnight shipping! Overstock coupons
• Perfume Country Order by Tuesday, December 18 for UPS 3 day shipping, by Wednesday, December 19 for UPS 2 day shipping, and by Wednesday, December 19 for UPS next day! Perfume Country coupons
• Personalization Mall Order by Saturday, December 15! Personalization Mall coupons
• RedOctane Order by Tuesday, December 18 for ground shipping, Thursday, December 20 for 2 day shipping, and Friday, December 21 for next day shipping! RedOctane coupons
• Shop Bop Order by Thursday, December 20 for 2-day shipping and Friday, December 21 for next day shipping! Shop Bop coupons
• The Skin Store Order by 2 pm Thursday, December 20 for 2-day shipping and 2 pm on Friday, December 21 for next day shipping The Skin Store coupons
• Urban Outfitters Order by 10 am on Thursday, December 20 for 2 day shipping and 10 am Friday, December 21 for next day shipping! Urban Outfitters coupons
• Victoria’s Secret Order by 3 pm on Wednesday, December 19 for Business Express. Victorias Secret coupons

For too long consumers have been ignored and abused by big companies, criminals, and even a few big criminal companies.

Here are the tools, tricks and tips to help shoppers, travelers, homeowners and consumers of all types to protect themselves, get the best deal, and fight back!

How to Complain (and Get Results!)

• How to write a complaint letter - Tips for writing letters that get results, regardless of who you need to complain to.
• Sample complaint letter templates - This includes a general letter of complaint, a complaint letter about goods you have bought and a complaint about a service provided to you
• A Guide to Fighting Back - A well done guide written by the Consumerist.
• Complain to the Federal Trade Commission for any consumer complaint except:
  • Do Not Call list issues: use this form.
  • Identity theft issues: use this form.
  • Issues involving a non US company: use this form.
• For Airline Complaints contact the Department of Transportation with this form, since that’s who the airlines listen to! The Wall Street Journal reports that: “airlines admit they do pay more attention to consumer complaints if travelers send them to the DOT, which categorizes and tallies complaints and publishes monthly rankings of airline performance.” You can also email the the DOT at: airconsumer@dot.gov or call 202-366-2220 where complaints can be recorded.

How to Talk to a Real Person (or to Stop Them From Bugging You)

• Dial A Human - Press 1 if you are sick of talking to a robot! Dial A human is an exhaustive list phone numbers and instructions on how to reach a real person at hundreds of companies.
• The National Do Not Call Registry - Stop telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
• Catalog Choice - A free service that allows you to save natural resources by deciding what gets in your mailbox. Consumers can indicate which catalogs they no longer wish to receive, and businesses can receive a list of consumers no longer wanting to receive their catalogs.
• FCC Junk Fax Complaint Form - You may use the FCC Form 1088 to complain about: Telemarketing issues, i.e., (1) junk faxes, (2) telemarketing (including Do-Not-Call violations), and (3) other issues, such as pre-recorded telephone messages, automatic telephone dialing systems, and unsolicited commercial e-mail messages to cell phones, pagers, and other wireless telecommunications devices.

How to Research Companies (or Take Your Complaint Public)

• The Consumerist - A widely read blog which has made its name by reporting on stories where consumers have been wronged.
• The Better Business Bureau - A resource to research companies and charities, as well as a place to file a complaint. Because of the high profile of the BBB and their frequent use by the media, companies tend to work hard to address BBB complaints.
• The Rip Off Report - A consumer reporting service, by consumers, for consumers, where you can publish complaints about companies or individuals.
• Guide Star - The leading source of information on U.S. nonprofits. The site has a searchable database of more than 1.7 million IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations and is the best place to research a charity before making a donation. (You must register for free to get access.)

Free Stuff and Services (’Cause the Best Things in Life are Free)

• AnnualCreditReport.com - The official service provided by the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) for consumers to request and obtain a free credit report (once every 12 months) from all 3 companies. They must provide this in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act). You can view and print credit reports online, and they also offer options to request reports by telephone and by mail. There are MANY sites with similar names, this is the official site and you do not need to pay to get your credit report. They may offer other services, just decline them.
• Craigslist.com - Everybody’s favorite site for free classifieds. Find a job, sell a car, get an apartment, give away your empty boxes. If you need to find or unload pretty much anything, this is the site.
• FreeCycle.com - It is a grassroots and nonprofit site where people are giving away & getting stuff for free in their own community. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. It is sort of like Craig’s list, but where everything is free.
• 1-800-free-411 - Call (or visit the web site) and get your free directory listings. It’s just like 411, but there is a brief (about 20 seconds) recorded ad before you can get your listing and of course it doesn’t cost anything.

Shopping Tools (Never Pay Retail!)

• Shopzilla - A price comparison shopping tool, that let’s you check prices for the same item and many different oline stores.
• Get online coupon codes from Deal Locker. The site has 20,000 online coupon codes for nearly 5000 stores. Never let the empty coupon code box on the check out page mock you again!
• Pharmacy Checker lets you compare prescription drug prices for 1,000+ medications. You’ll also see online pharmacy ratings and shipping fees so you can compare total costs.
• Priceprotectr.com - After you buy something, you can register it with these guys. If there is a price drop in 30 days (or whatever the appropriate store policy is) they will notify you so you can get your refund.
• The Amazon Discount Finder lets you search Amazon for hidden discounts.
• Printable Grocery Coupons from Smart Source. No Registration or sign up is necessary, but it only works on Windows.
• Just one club card is a great tool to fix the problem of having to carry around tens of loyalty, discount, and club cards by letting you print one handy card with all your barcodes. Merchants love to create loyalty cards to track your purchases and to force you to carry around an ad for them in your wallet. Now you can put your wallet on a diet by printing all of your various supermarket and loyalty cards on to one thin piece of paper.

Major Purchases (Don’t get ripped off buying a house or a car)

Buying a House

• Check Zillow.com to get an estimate of the value and to see what the house has sold for in the past.
• Check BankRate.com to see what the most competitive mortgage rates available are.
• Lending Tree will connect you with 4 lenders that know they are in a competitive bid situation, so you have a better shot at getting the best deal.
• See the Motley Fool’s guide to shopping for a loan and this list of things to know when getting a mortgage.
• If you are an experienced buyer and you are willing to do some of the leg work on your own, you can save with real estate agents that rebate you a portion of their commission like: RedFin and Zip Realty.
• Previously listed was AnnualCreditReport.com where you can get your credit report for free.

Buying a Car

• Edmunds.com can help you find out what a dealer’s invoice price is on a new car, as well as appraise a used car. They also published Confessions of a Car Salesman, a very entertaining 9 part series written by an Edmunds employee about what he learned undercover. It is very insightful, but it is a long read; you may just want to skip to the conclusions.
• If you have a problem with your new car be sure to check your state’s Lemon Laws.

Buying Electronics

• CNET Reviews - Extensive reviews of cameras, laptop, cell phones and TVs that can be very helpful.
• Steve’s Digicam - The most detailed and helpful Camera reviews to be found anywhere on the web, including an excellent “Best Camera List”.

Crime Fighting (Because Crime Shouldn’t Pay)

• JustStolen.net - Created by police officers in Boston to help the police return recovered property to its rightful owner. They provide consumers and business owners with a place to safely record serial numbers and valuable information about their belongings. When lost or stolen property is recovered law enforcement agencies worldwide can consult the database to identify the rightful owner. They also list items recovered by the police, where the police have not found the rightful owner (though all the items seemed to be from Boston).
• Minimize the risk of identity theft - Tips from the FTC and find out how to recover if you have been a victim.

Travel Tools (Travel smarter!)

• Seat Guru - We all know middle seats are horrible, but now you can get detailed information about which seats are the best on any plane, including specific comments denoting seats with limited recline, reduced legroom, mis-aligned windows, In-seat power port locations, Galley, lavatory, Exit Row and closet locations.
• United Airlines promo sign-up tool - The tool will automatically sign you up for any United Airlines promotions. You just enter your United Advantage number and every day it checks for new promotions. When it finds one it signs you up. This way you’ll be sure to get whatever bonuses they offer with out having to check back. One caveat: Signing up for an offer multiple times OR signing up for offers in a specific order may hurt you (a lesser offer may take precedence over a better offer). This tool uses no prejudice - it signs you up for everything in the order in which the results are found.
• Trip Advisor has consumer written hotel reviews, so you can find out what the hotel is really like before you make your reservation.
• Kayak.com lets you search 100+ airline and travel sites in one easy interface to find the best deals.

Other Useful Sites (but you Need to Pay for Them).

We love free, but there are some tools that require subscriptions. However, they can be useful.

• Angie’s List is a subscription based review site for contractor and home repair and maintenance workers. As a member you can research and find vendors as well as file reports on your experience.
• Consumer Reports is the original unbiased and objective reviewer. It is a great tool, but you have to pay since they refuse advertising.
• Zagat Restaurant Reviews is a professionally edited restaurant review guide based on consumer’s own reports about the restaurants. It is a great place to look for restaurants in new cities (and you’ll get a free copy if you fill out your own report.)

If we have missed your favorite tool please leave a comment and let us know.

So if you haven’t finished your shopping yet, and I know I haven’t… Here is a heck of a good coupon list.

• Aeropostale Coupon code: longsleeve - Mix and match - Long sleeve polos and tees - Two for $25! More Aeropostale coupons
• Ala Zing Coupon code: RY5791 - Free lasagna with $50 order! More Ala Zing coupons
• Amazon Coupon code: RSIFREE5 - $5 off any order with ReStockIt! More Amazon coupons
• Barnes & Noble Coupon code: Y8K7C7N - 15% off of one item! Expires 12/12/07. More Barnes & Noble coupons
• Bath and Body Works Coupon code: 6275- Free Scentport or wallflower with $15 purchase. More Bath and Bodyworks coupons
• Best Buy No coupon code needed - $200 off LG TVs 42″ and up with purchase of installation service! Expires 12/15/07. More Best Buy coupons
• Buy.com No coupon code needed - $10 off $200 purchase for new customers! Expires 12/31/07. More Buy.com coupons
• Circuit City No coupon code needed - Free shipping on orders $24 and up! More Circuit City coupons
• CompUSA No coupon code needed - Save up to $100 on printers! More CompUSA coupons
• The Container Store No coupon code needed - Select items up to 50% off! More Container Store coupons
• Crocs Coupon code: cs100107 - Free shipping! More Crocs coupons
• Dell Coupon code: TPT4DGZDQ38MFS - Save $200 on all Inspiron notebooks over $899! More Dell.com coupons
• Dick’s Sporting Goods No coupon code needed - 15% off of your order! Expires 1/31/08. More Dick’s Sporting Goods coupons
• Eset Software No Coupon code needed - Save 25% on NOD32 Antivirus System! More Eset (nod32) antivirus coupons
• Fabulous Furs No coupon code needed - Free shipping on any order $75 or more! More fabulousfurs.com coupons
• Foot Locker Coupon code: 08QZRZ64N9HM - Save 10% on purchase! Expires 12/31/07. More Foot Locker coupons
• Frederick’s of Hollywood Coupon code: R8BDEAL- $10 off of any $50 order! More Frederick’s coupons
• GameStop Coupon code: 25U360 - 25% off of used X-Box games! More GameStop coupons
• Go Daddy Coupon code: cjcsave10 - 10% off any order! More Go Daddy coupons
• HearthSong Coupon code: HS1067 - $10 off any $40 purchase! More HearthSong coupons
• Indigo.ca No coupon code needed - Free shipping on orders over $39! More Indigo coupons
• JC Penney Coupon code: SANTA- 30% off regular merchandise, 10% off sale merchandise! Expires 12/15/07. More JC Penney coupons
• Kohl’s Coupon code: NEW9870- 10% off purchase! More Kohl’s coupons
• Lands’ End No coupon code needed - $5 off knit pants for women! More Lands’ End coupons
• LEGO Coupon code: sp117- $5 off your $35 order! More LEGO coupons
• Macy’s Coupon code: GIFTED- Free shipping on orders over $99! More Macy’s coupons
• Nike Coupon code: SHIPTGA- Free shipping! More Nike coupons
• Office Depot Coupon code: 48863343- $10 off TurboTax Deluxe! More Office Depot coupons
• Office Max Coupon code: 130130611029- $15 off of $75 phone order! Expires 12/15/07. More Office Max coupons
• Omaha Steaks Coupon code: RZ3083- $10 off an order of $100 or more! More Omaha Steaks coupons
• Online Shoes Coupon code: HOLIDAY07TWENTY- Save $20 off an order of $100 or more! More Online Shoes.com coupons
• Orbitz Coupon code: ORBDOT75- Save $75 off a 3 night hotel and airfare package! Expires 3/15/08. More Orbitz coupons
• Overstock Coupon code: 85721- $10 off $45 order! Expires 12/31/07. More Overstock coupons
• Perfume Country Coupon code: 5OFF- $5 off any $60 order! More Perfume Country coupons
• Personalization Mall No coupon code needed - Free shipping! More Personalization Mall coupons
• Quill Coupon code: VPV- Save $50 off of $100 orders! More Quill coupons
• RedOctane Coupon code: freeground - Free shipping on orders of $50 and up! More RedOctane coupons
• Shop Bop No coupon code needed - Free shipping! More Shop Bop coupons
• The Skin Store Coupon code: AFFL0107- 10% off all orders! More The Skin Store coupons
• Staples Coupon code: 76532- $4 off any business card order! Expires 1/1/08. More Staples coupons
• Target Coupon code: TGAFLETJ - 10% off! Expires 12/30/07. More Target coupons
• The Popcorn Factory Coupon code: GS10 - 10% off orders of $50 or more! Expires 12/21/07. More Popcorn Factory coupons
• Urban Outfitters Coupon code: LUCKY2008 - 20% off orders of $100 or more! More Urban Outfitters coupons
• Victoria’s Secret Coupon code: beauty40 - 40% off beauty gift sets! More Victorias Secret coupons
• VistaPrint Coupon code: No coupon code needed - Free shipping on orders over $50! More VistaPrint coupons
• Montgomery Ward Coupon code: MWAFGCN7 - Free shipping on gold jewelry! More Montgomery Ward coupons

Everyone knows that dads can be hard to shop for, but this year, forget the ties - we have some gift ideas that he’ll really love!

1. Victorinox Swiss Memory 1 GB - This will remind your dad of the Swiss Army knives of his youth - while adding such features as a 1 GB USB memory stick, an LED light, and a ballpoint pen. What could be more useful?
2. Universal Ballistic-Look Nylon Expandable Laptop Computer Case - Your dad can carry his laptop and papers in style.
3. Curtis Alarm Clock Radio with Docking Station for iPod - If your dad has to wake up early, it might as well be to his own music!
4. Skagen Men’s Titanium Black Mesh Watch - This titanium watch has a classy blue face and will make it a pleasure to check the time.
5. Denali 115-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit - All the tools necessary for your dad to fix absolutely anything around the house!
6. Men’s Ugg Scuff - The perfect slipper that keeps feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer - and comfortable all year-round!
7. Tac Tic Wrist Auditory Golf Swing Training Aid - Every dad wants to improve his golf game!
8. Meguiar’s Classic Wash & Wax Kit - Make sure he has what he needs to keep his car looking good!
9. Tekkeon ezTalker ET2000 Mini Bluetooth Headset - Keep your dad safe with this hands-free Bluetooth headset.
10. Coby DTV-140 ATSC High Definition Set Top Box - Receives digital television signals, outputs HDTV signals to use with HDTVs, and downconverts OTA HDTV signals to use with standard TVs!
11. Portable Barbecue BBQ Grill Camping - A portable barbecue that folds up into a briefcase. Perfect for any dad!
12. Nissan 14-Ounce Leak-Proof Insulated Travel Mug - Make sure your dad doesn’t spill his coffee on the morning commute!

For more great deals check out our Amazon promotional codes page and our secret amazon discount finder.

Got a geek in your life? Want to buy your favorite geek a gift but not break the bank? Check out these * great geek gift ideas… all under $50, and sure to please your favorite geek!

1. Energizer Energi Instant Cell Phone Chargers $17.99 to $32.99: When you’re on the go, an excellent way to instantly charge your cell phone devices!
2. 22 in 1 Card Reader $15.54: The easiest and fastest way to transfer data, images, and music, your geek will be able to read all the popular digital media formats!
3. Ninja Remote $8.99: What geek doesn’t want the ability to control all nearby electronics? This one will get them started with televisions, at least… and enjoying the reactions of people who don’t understand why their television is acting crazy!
4. Driving LED Emoticon $29.99: Express your feelings via emoticons to other drivers, not just on your email and chats! More polite than the hand gesture you may be thinking about…
5. USB Squid $19.99: Quadruple your USB ports, and (better than other USB hubs) bend the arms in any direction for USB cords which might be coming from all over the place - vertical, horizontal, stacked, it doesn’t matter with the USB Squid!
6. L33T Scrabble Tiles $10.99: Only a true geek understands l3375p34k, or “leetspeak!” Show your favorite geek that you believe in their geek status.
7. Wi-Fi Detector Shirt $29.99: This shirt is a public service to anyone looking for the strength of a wireless connection - and will definitely make your geek the most popular one around!
8. Welcome in Binary Door/Floor Mat $39.99: Finally, a gift to make your favorite geek feel right at home.
9. Sony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling Headphones $35.99 Perfect for flying across the country, or just feeling like you are miles from your coworkers.
10. Victorinox Swiss Army knife with 1 GB of memory It is $55.00 but there sometimes a $10 off instant coupon.

Gift giving at work can be tricky. Do you give a gift to your boss? To the people under you? The secretary? Will it makes things awkward if you give a gift to someone and they don’t reciprocate? Or the other way around? We have some simple tips for you to take into consideration during this holiday season.

1. Check your company’s policy. Some companies have guidelines on gift giving - either officially spelled out in a workplace manual, or more informal unwritten rules. Ask colleagues what protocol is, and especially what people tend to get the boss. It’s better to go with the crowd on this.
2. Never give inappropriate gifts. Think conservative. Even if you know someone well, stay away from lingerie, perfume, makeup, massage oil, or anything that could be construed as too personal.
3. Give donations in colleagues’ names. Donating to charity can help you avoid giving useless clutter, and help someone who needs it. Almost all charities allow you to donate in someone’s name, and recipients are usually very happy to be honored in this way. Try to find a charity that is meaningful to the recipient, and stay away from controversial organizations.
4. Try not to give useless gifts. Everybody ends up with a lot of clutter around the holidays. Try not to give gifts that will just end up in a landfill. If you have trouble thinking of anything your colleague might like, gift cards are an excellent way to go!
5. Think inclusively. If you are working with a team of people and wish to give gifts, give to everyone on your team. Nothing will make the office awkward as quickly as leaving one or two people out.
6. Organize a gift swap. This is one of the most popular ways to deal with gift giving at work. “Secret Santas” or other organized gift exchanges are great ways to celebrate the holidays. People can draw names and buy gifts (usually with a set price range) for colleagues. Alternatively, everyone can buy a gift that could work for anyone (with a set price range) and wrap it. Then names are drawn and people take turns choosing a gift.

Whatever gift you choose, don’t forget to search DealLocker for discounts and coupons from all your favorite stores!

December is here and that means lots of new Amazon Coupons for groceries as well as a bunch of special holiday offers.

We have nearly 80 Amazon coupons, so..

Get your Amazon Coupon here.

You might also enjoy the secret Amazon Discount tool. Find all your favorites at huge discounts, search for electronics, kitchen items, clothing and more at 80% off!

You get half of what you ask for… and none of what you don’t ask for!

It is amazing what just asking can do. Have you been frustrated about how high your bills are getting? Do you ever wonder why your friends get better deals than you do? Here are some surefire ways to save money on your bills!

1. Just ask. When you call your phone company or your cable company, ask them what discounts they can offer. Many people don’t receive any discounts because they just don’t ask. If you know someone who gets a discount, ask for the same discount. The same thing can be done for credit cards. Call and ask for a lower APR or a longer introductory period. The worst that can happen is that they’ll say no, and much of the time, they will say yes.
2. Know what you want. Ask for something specific. Feel free to ask for want you really want, but be reasonable. They can’t give you everything you want for free, but they can probably give you a lot more than they already are.
3. Keep a record of any problems you’ve had. You can use these problems for leverage - ask for discounts in exchange for any inconveniences or problems you’ve had. Many businesses will apologize profusely and offer something in return.
4. Talk to the retention or cancellation department. These departments sometimes have more power to give discounts and waive fees, and by asking for them, it shows that you’re serious.
5. Point out better deals. If you have Comcast and SBC shows a better deal, let Comcast know and ask if they can match it! If FedEx has a cheaper rate but you usually use UPS, ask UPS how they’re going to keep you. Often, when you point out what the competition is offering, the company that you have been working with will go out of its way to give you a similar deal.
6. Promise your loyalty. If you do a lot of business in a particular area, ask a company for a good deal. Promise your return business. “We mail X packages per week and we’d like to keep doing business with your company, but we have found better rates somewhere else. Can you beat these rates?”
7. Get names. Getting a customer service representative’s name can help in a number of ways. If the customer service rep is not helpful, remembering the name can make sure that you never have to talk to that particular person again. If he or she is helpful, keep the name for any future questions or favors you might have.
8. Go up the ladder. If a customer service rep doesn’t help you out, feel free to ask for his or her supervisor. This doesn’t have to be in a confrontational manner; you can ask politely for the supervisor and explain to the supervisor that you aren’t getting what you need.
9. Explain that you don’t have the money. This won’t work for everyone, but certain professions invite sympathy. If you are a teacher, a non-profit employee, or a church employee, you might be able to pull this off. A casual, “Oh, you see, I’m a teacher in X neighborhood and I spend so much on my classroom supplies that I don’t think I have the extra money for that fee…” often gets a sympathy discount!
10. Threaten to cancel. This can be tricky, because some people will just take your request to cancel at face value. However, many representatives will try to talk you out of canceling by offering discounts and perks.
11. Use coupons. When you shop online check Deal Locker for coupons and those credit card bills won’t be quite as high when they come next month.