Guide to Smart Holiday Shopping

We know that sometimes the holiday spirit of peace and joy is replaced by feelings of stress and mania. Especially in anticipation of your credit card bill come January.

But you can save your sanity -- and your money -- with a game plan. It pays to take time to prepare your budget, draw up gift lists and comparison shop for the best deals.

Below you'll find a collection of Kiplinger's best holiday shopping tips, from finding great online bargains to handling kids' wish lists to staying within your budget this year. Ensure a more joyous season with this early gift from us to you:

Amazing Holiday
Deals Online We've found 20 sites to help you save money -- and avoid the crowds.

How Savvy a Holiday Shopper Are YOU? Take our quiz to test your shopping skills. You just might learn some things that'll save you money.

The Safe Way
To Shop Online Follow these tips to protect yourself from identity theft when using the Web this holiday season.

Ten Holiday
Shopping Tips From paying with cash to saving coins in a jar, these tricks will help you avoid going deep into debt buying gifts.

Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover Make your list and check it twice. It's better to give within your means than receive big credit card bills next year.

A Parent's Holiday Survival Guide From wish list guidelines to thank-you note etiquette, here are a dozen tips to help you through the season without letting greed get the better of you or your kids.

What to Know About Shopping Online Get the lowdown on the season's free shipping deals and learn how to shop effectively and safely from home.

Have a Jolly Plastic Season As holiday sales of gift cards grow, retailers will pull out the stops to get consumers to redeem them before New Year's Day.

NEXT: See Great Gifts for dozens of ideas for everyone on your list, no matter your budget.