If projections by the U.S. Department of Commerce are correct, Americans will spend more than $26 billion shopping online this year. A significant portion of those shopping dollars will be spent during the upcoming holiday gift-giving season. Have some tips for making your Internet shopping a little easier:

Start Early

Start early, since nearly half of online shoppers expect to be buying their holiday gifts by Halloween, according to the 2006 eHoliday Mood Study, conducted by BizRate Research for Shopzilla and Shop.org. Also, keep in mind that many Web sites need at least a week to deliver the goods, or charge a premium for expedited shipping; so be certain to check delivery policies and options. If you're doing a little last-minute shopping, try to do so at sites that make expedited shipping guarantees.

Choose User-Friendly Sites

Shop on Web sites that give you a good look at the product you're buying and that provide plenty of information. For instance, dearfoams is an easy-to-navigate site that lets you buy Dearfoams slippers from the comfort of your own home. The site features vibrant, full-color images of the company's current footwear collection; unique, Internet-only products; and complete information on product pricing, features and benefits. Consumers can also use the site to create wish lists, track orders, join in contests and register to receive special promotions.

Stay Safe

Identity fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. Always read a site's security policy before you make a purchase and only shop at secure Web sites. In addition, consider designating one credit card with a lower limit as your Internet-shopping credit card. Keep a close eye on your statements and notify your bank of any suspicious activity. Still leery about making the plunge into the world of online shopping? You can put yourself at ease by only shopping at sites operated by companies you know and trust. For example, the Dearfoams company has been in the slipper business for over 60 years. It is the best-known and trusted name in at-home comfort footwear.

Keep A Record

Keep track of shipping dates, confirmation numbers and any other records related to your online transactions. They can come in handy should you have to make a return or if your purchases don't arrive by the agreed-upon date. It's also a smart idea to familiarize yourself with a Web site's return policy before making a purchase. Can you return items for a full refund or only for credit? It could be worth your while to find out.