By Jon Lal, founder of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com (http://www.befrugal.com).
Given today’s tough economy, it’s important to stretch each dollar. Don’t let that trump the holiday spirit! There are great deals out there and you can find them online in a matter of minutes.
After you create your list of who to buy for and you have some idea of what to give them, be sure you take a minute to look for deals before you buy. You can save big by checking out a weekly ad, searching for a printable coupon or an online promo code for a discount or free shipping.
In fact, if you are sopping online, you can save even more by taking advantage of free Cash Back (http://www.befrugal.com/cashback/). Deals website BeFrugal (http://www.befrugal.com) offers Cash Back. This means when you buy online, you can get a percentage of the transaction. Right now there is a $10 bonus when you create a new account by 12/31 (http://www.befrugal.com/cashback/?show=signup).
Savvy shoppers can “double-up” on their savings by combining cash back with coupons to get extra savings on each purchase. Just look for the money bag icon to indicate when you can use a coupon plus earn Cash Back.

Below are four great deals for those under every category of your list. If these deals don’t get all the items crossed off your list, head to BeFrugal.com and search by store. You’ll see many coupons and see what today’s Cash Back rate is.

If you still need to save more, there are 10 downloadable guides full of insider secrets to help you save money on your holiday shopping at stores like Best Buy and Macy’s: http://ow.ly/7WUNL.

For everyone:
1. Overstock: Free Shipping on Any Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is up to 4.5%.
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3273848-10967301
2. Barnes & Noble: Free Fleece Blanket with $50+ Home & Gift Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 5.4%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=229293….
3. Target: 15% Off Select Coleman Or Aero Airbeds, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is up to 4%
http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802034637&pubid=2100000…
4. Kohls: 15% Off Any Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 3%.
http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000000342669&pubid=2100000…
Code STOCKING15

For the athletic types:
1. Paragon Sports: Free Shipping on $48.95, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 7.5%.
http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3273848-10361732
2. Foot Locker: 15% Off Any Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 5%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=219387….
Code LKS1VR58
3. Finish Line: $20 Off $125, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 5%.
http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000037085546&pubid=2100000… Code GAN125
4. NBA Store: 15% Off Any Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 2.5%.
http://www.gopjn.com/t/4-45163-45446-58787

For teens & tweens:
5. Hot Topic: 20% Off $60, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 8%.
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3273848-10936050 CODE HTA20DEC
6. Aerie by American Eagle: Free Shipping on Orders $100+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 3%.
http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000011412429&pubid=2100000…
7. Karmaloop: 15% Off $50+ Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 2.5%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=143197…. CODE JINGLE
8. Pacific Sunwear: Free Shipping on Orders $50+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 5%.
http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3273848-678126

For kids:
1. Barnes & Noble: 25% Off Melissa and Doug Educational Toys, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 5.4%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=239662….
2. Cookies Kids: Free Shipping on Backpack orders of $35+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 2.5%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=137999…. CODE BACKFREE
3. Little Tikes: $10 Off Classic Alligator Teeter Totter, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 3%.
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3273848-10978929
4. Disney Store: Free Shipping on Orders of $75+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 1.5%.
http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3273848-10853998

For the fashionista:
1. Target: Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price – Accessories, Jewelry, and Shoes plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is up to 4%.
http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802110386&pubid=2100000…
2. Seven For All Mankind: Free Shipping on Order of $150+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 4%.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cFSwUBVvVPI&offerid=235645….
3. Metro Style: Free Shipping on Orders $65+, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 3%.
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3273848-10979414 CODE MS37581
4. Payless Shoesource: 15% Off Any Order, plus earn Cash Back. Today’s rate is 2.5%.
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3273848-10393678?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=97319&cm_… CODE 55704

Note: Cash Back rates can change from one day to the next. These rates were valid 12/16/2011.