So, I venture out into the traffic, clenched fist shaking wildly in the air by the first traffic light. And, when the shopping is done and I need to ship the gifts Next-Day Air back to the East Coast, it is off to the Post Office, where all the people from all the stores have had to form a line to get a number to get in line.

Sound familiar? Well folks, not this year. With some basic Online shopping tips, a few good ecommerce Web sites selling local products and your favorite credit card, this year's holiday shopping is sure to be a breeze.

First, a few tips if you are ready to shop Online. Once you have selected your products and are ready to submit your private information, make sure it is done securely. Usually, when you enter a secure page, your browser will inform you with a pop-up window, a closed lock will appear in the bottom of both the Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers, and the URL address will change from http:// to https:// in the Location or Address window. If you want to purchase an item from a site that doesn't offer these security measures, it is best to just fax or call in your order.

It is also a good idea to use your credit card when buying online. Usually, credit card companies won't hold you responsible for purchases if there is a problem. However, debit cards don't have the same advantage.

And, you should make it common practice to print out the Web page that shows your final order and total charges. This is often your only receipt.

OK, ready to shop? Here are a few sites based in the Yuma area with secure online shopping:

Flags-Etc

http://www.flags-etc.com

Here, you can find thousands of flags, banners, windsocks and accessories. The site offers secure online shopping and an electronic shopping cart that keeps track of the products you want to buy and calculates shipping and taxes automatically.

Associated Citrus Packers

http://www.citrusgiftpack.com

This site offers all kinds of citrus, grown in the Southwest, that you can purchase direct from the grower. They will ship directly to your address or another address that you specify.

Alex's Mexican Art & Imports

http://www.aleximports.com

Located in Yuma, Alex's Mexican Art & Imports provides authentic art and imported products delivered right to your front door. Purchasing direct from the importer eliminates the expensive middleman mark-up.

Western Date Ranches

http://www.medjooldates.com

Now it is easy to order dates for your friends and family directly from the grower, Western Date Ranches. Their online store has been upgraded with a new, easy-to-use interface to simplify the ordering process.

So, with these tips and the many Web sites that offer secure ordering, make this year's shopping fun and easy, and leave behind the horrible holiday shopping nightmare.