Last-Minute Shopping Ideas on the Web

By Megan Finnegan Bungeroth

It's not at all too late to finish your shopping online, and you can often find great deals right from the comfort of your couch. Here are our top picks:

For the truly unique find FredFlare.com This quirky online shop sells such whimsical fare as LEGO Star Wars Mini-Figure Alarm Clocks ($44), available in Darth Vader, Storm Trooper, and Yoda. They specialize in useful but odd accessories and gadgets that somehow seem stylish and hip, like a beer making kit ($65) or the Holly GoNightly sleep mask ($15), modeled after the one Hepburn donned in Breakfast at Tiffany's. They're offering free UPS ground shipping with a $100 purchase if you use the code "bicycle," and free shipping with a $25 purchase until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 with code "zoom."

For the no-brainer, stress-free choice Amazon.com You can't go wrong with the mother of all online retailers. Amazon is offering its free super saver shipping for Christmas delivery through Thursday, Dec. 15, and offers more expensive options up through local express delivery on Christmas Eve (where available) to ensure that your procrastination goes unnoticed. The Kindle e-reader is a can't-go-wrong pick, with a $79 model, and gift cards can be cashed in for anything under the sun. They even offer email and printable gift cards, so if you forgot someone on the list, Christmas morning isn't too late.

For the fashionable last-minute gift Net-a-porter.com This fashion retail site stocks only the latest and greatest fashions, so while you should be prepared to drop a pretty penny, you're sure to get a pretty purse, like the latest Chloé bag ($1,850), in exchange. Net-a-porter also offers editors' picks, style advice and a carefully curated selection of luxury retail fashion items, so whether you want to deck someone out in a Lanvin wool felt cape (on sale, 30 percent off, for $2,404) or a simple pair of Aubin and Wills leather mittens ($175) you know you'll satisfy the fashionista on your list. Plus, they offer free shipping!