We're still a couple of weeks away from Christmas and have you noticed something different from previous years? You can still order stuff online and have it delivered in time for Santa to get it into his sack and bring it down the chimney. What's changed over the year? It seems the arrival of one particular overseas retailer has transformed local retail for the better.

It's the last day of November which means many of us will be getting ready to start our Christmas shopping. Just looking at Facebook, Christmas trees will be getting delivered over the next few days and, once they're decorated, people will be looking for gifts to put under there.

So, what can you do to prepare for the shopping onslaught? Here are five tips.

The online shoppers of Australia have perused Amazon's offerings. And they have found them wanting. With very few exceptions, the deals on TVs, laptops and other gadgets have been hugely underwhelming. The cake was a lie.

If you're looking to pick up some Blu-rays or video games for Christmas though, Amazon is well worth a look. In fact, it has some of the cheapest prices in Australia. Here are a few stocking-stuffers for your consideration.

If you've ever worked the Christmas rush in a retail position, you'll know how painful it can be. December means usually a full month of twelve hour shifts, difficult customers and terrible Christmas CDs on a loop. For all your friends working in retail this year, try putting together a retail survival kit that shows you sympathise with their pain instead of bombarding them with yet more tacky Christmas cheer.