With the minimal shopping days until Christmas flying by, as people are scrambling for toys and electronics we try to head where the crowds are not.

Getting the perfect last-minute gift is tricky but it can be done. All it takes is just a little time and planning on your part.

First, it’s important to evaluate what your budget is for each person on your list. If your budget is minimal, then the stars have aligned for you.

To avoid stressful situations or going over budget, take note of these money saving sites that will turn you into the mighty all-round gift giver that you are this holiday season!

Clothes and Accessories

If you don’t have time to hit the sales and scour the racks for deals, then bring the stores to you.

A lot of companies offer free shipping and major discounts if you spend a certain amount this time of year.

Hit some of these discount websites up for some great deals on clothing and accessories:

• The Outnet

This site offers one of the best arrays of discout designer womenswear and accessories.

www.theoutnet.com

• Shopbop

Another in the line of designer fashions, this site offers deals for as much as 70 percent off.

www.shopbop.com

• JTandCo

Catering to men and women, you can find anything on this Ebay store from BCBG Max Azria to William Rast button-downs.

www.jtandco.com

Food and fun stuff

In today’s cyber induced world, everyone is scrambling to get the best online deals on cool things to do. Since the competition is fierce for “daily deals,” if you’re in the market for classes, spa deals and restaurants, hit up these sites:

• Dealfind, Groupon, Scoop St.

Groupon, Dealfind and Scoop St. all offer cheap daily deals to your inbox daily. Give a in-home cooking class or a box full of cupcakes for less.

www.dealfind.com

• Shop it to me

This site can be the personal online shopper you wish you had. Tell them your favorite designers and size, and they will cut your time in half scouring the web for you or that person on your list who can never find the right fit.

www.shopittome.com

Toys and Books

Seriously, if you pay full price for a kid’s book or toy, you’re missing out on some better deals. There are SO MANY discounted items for children on the websites below that you could seriously buy enough toys for this year and the next. If your kids are only into video games, take note that electronics are rarely discounted unless they are used.

• Bookcloseouts

From Biography to Geography children’s fiction and business, this discount book site will help you find that perfect book.

www.bookcloseouts.com

• eToys

You can shop by age, by brand, by theme or by category on this site.

www.etoys.com

• Bookowl

Like Bookcloseouts, find any genre from baby guides to religious books.

www.bookowl.net

Go Local

If shopping is a fun activity for you, and you’re looking for that fabulous find, you can score great at some local boutiques. Support the ‘shop local’ movement! Check these out:

• Candy Plum - 30-98 36th Street, Astoria.

• Ethereal - 47-38 Vernon-Jackson Blvd. 1-L, LIC.

• The Bird’s Nest

73-18 Metropolitan Avenue.

• Two Lovers - 227 5th Avenue, Brooklyn.

• Better than Jam - 1095 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn.

For more fashion education, shopping inspiration and gift giving information, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com Your bargain fashion superhero!