Web shopping beats Black Friday.

Nearly 40% of holiday shoppers buy online-a number that grows each year-so expect free-shipping and quick-delivery promotions. (L.L. Bean started offering free shipping back in September.) Still afraid you'll miss out on the best deals at the mall? Join the 5 a.m. early-bird frenzy the day after Thanksgiving if you want to, but get a leg up on the crowds.

Sites such as Black-Friday.net alert you in advance to the ads printed in Thanksgiving Day newspaper circulars, plus you'll find links to the products online so you don't have to wait outside in the dark.