This is what modern holiday shopping looks like.

As much as I hate to say it, it’s time to start thinking about holiday shopping. Personally, I think the holidays have devolved into a ridiculous festival of consumerism. However, for many families, celebrating the holidays by buying gifts is an important tradition.

If you can’t afford to buy gifts for people without taking out a no fax cash advance, it might be best to explain that. Or you can consider thoughtful gestures in place of gifts. However, if throwing a little money around during the holidays makes your family or your significant other’s family happy — and you have enough money to do that — here are some ideas for big gifts that don’t cost big money.

Holiday shopping easier than ever

The good news is, you can buy just about everything on the Internet nowadays. One of the hardest parts of the holidays has always been going to stores where a lot of stressed out people fight over the last Tickle Me Elmo. Thanks to the wonder and magic of the Internet, you can avoid all of that this year. I highly recommend it.

Of course Internet shopping  means shipping, which means planning in advance. That’s why I am telling you now to get started. Take the crazy stress out of the holidays by making a list, checking it twice, and ordering all of the material crap your loved ones want over the Internet. Need some ideas? Let’s get started.

Motorola Droid, $199

You might have relatives or close friends who are on the fence about whether to switch from their five-year-old flip phone to a smartphone, even though they know they’d love one. OK, I admit, I am talking about myself. The Motorola Droid, which has gotten great reviews and runs on Verizon, which has the largest coverage area in the country, is a great gift idea.

The $199 price tag comes attached to a two-year contract, and you must redeem a mail-in rebate. If you or the gift recipient doesn’t mind a slower processor and the absense of a real keyboard, you can pick up the HTC Droid Eris for only $99. Not a bad idea if you have cash concerns.

Netbook, $299

Every time a gift-giving opportunity arises, my boyfriend mentions that he wants a laptop, and I always think “Yeah, right, when we win the lottery.” However, netbooks, the little laptops that are geared specifically toward internet use, are getting downright affordable.

Prices for netbooks have been slowly creeping downward, from $400 to $350, and for the holiday season, many are going on sale for $299. Check for offerings from HP. If $299 sounds like too much for one gift, consider getting family members to chip in for other family members.

E-reader, $259

For book lovers, e-readers are becoming the newest craze. The Amazon Kindle will retail for $259 this holiday season, as will the Barnes and Noble Nook. Of course, as with most technological devices nowadays, these gadgets do much more than display text. Check out the features on these two products to pick the one that’s right for the recipient.

For a less pricey option, the Sony Reader is only $199, but make sure saving $60 is worth it. Grilling your relatives about which features they want in their gadets might take some of the surprise out of it, but what is the point of spending that much money if you’re not getting the person exactly what they want?

A bunch of hacks

Deal Hack is advertising savings on everything from electronics and clothing to books and jewelry. As is expected in our increasingly technology-based society, new gadgets are at the top of the popularity list this year.

The most commonly purchased items are harder to find deals on. Digital cameras, the latest iPod model and video game systems are showing up in the list of most popular gifts this year. And, let’s not forget, anything related to Hannah Montana. These hot-ticket items can generally get away with charging full price until Dec. 26. No fax payday loans could help you be one of those lucky parents who gets their hands on a Hannah Montana bedspread.

Ghosts of Christmas past

So far this century seems to be the century of the gadget. New technology has topped the list for popular gifts every year so far this decade. In 2005, back before the iPhone craze hit, the Motorola Razr topped the list for must-have cell phones. That year small, bright micro flashlights got rave reviews for their compact size and impressive brightness. Noise-canceling headphones were also becoming popular.

Searching through news articles that were published during Christmas seasons past, I found an article from 1997 that recommended hitting the stores the day after Christmas to take advantage of deals and buy gifts for the following year. You won’t find that advise out there nowadays. Smart shoppers and retailers know that children, teenagers and technophiles in 2009 will not be satisfied with a gift that is “Like, sooo last year.”

Your boyfriend gave you WHAT?!

Of course, while I was researching the most popular gifts in 2005, I came across an article on the most tacky, embarrassing and unpopular gifts. This humorous list from about.com includes such doozies as a guide on how to “Cross Dress for Success,” a back shaver and a few more items that are a bit too risque to list here. When in doubt, err on the side of taste.

Enter the age of the Internet

Christmas gift giving has come a long way. In the United States, the most widely accepted theory on the tradition of giving gifts is based on the Three Wise Men who traveled on foot to deliver their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh by hand. Fast-forward 2,000 years, and online purchasing is becoming more popular every year. With the ability to research, purchase and ship gifts without leaving your computer chair, more and more people are checking out trends and prices without having to step out into the cold. Now, with no fax payday loans, people can even get quick loans online when they need fast cash for holiday gifts.

FRIGID TEMPS; LONG LINES

Braving near freezing weather, many huddled in groups and stomped their feet to keep warm and maintain circulation. Eager to be among the first recipients of the community’s outpouring of generosity, even the cold could not dampen their anticipation. Some, knowing that they would have to report to work in a few hours, arrived early to avoid missing any scheduled shifts. Sisters Shelli and Kirsten, came prepared with milk crates and blankets in tow. Both working moms, they were grateful for the added help this time of the year. Another, known only as Aaron, rode his bicycle as his wife needed the car for work. In addition, a grandfather who immigrated from Russia, slowly walked back and forth with his cane to maintain circulation. Even though the paper indicated that the doors would not open until 10 a.m., workers and volunteers mercifully opened their doors at 8 a.m. to provide shelter from the cold. As soon as they had their computers up and operational, the heaters were turned on as the many filed inside.

QUALITY GIFTS; OVERJOYED MOMS

Upon entering the heated building located at the Spokane fairgrounds, people were greeted with smiles and hot coffee. Cheerfully decorated with red carpet, the warehouse was transformed into a festive wonderland. There was a sea of volunteers in blue sweatshirts ready to dole out food vouchers, and brand new books and toys. Ranging from dinosaurs to digital cameras, parents were informed that they would be permitted to select one book and one gift for each child. Wide ranges of gifts, toddler-geared all the way up through the teenage years, were neatly displayed. Preschool kitchenettes, attack helicopters, radio controlled cars [with batteries!], mp3 players and more were there to make any child’s wish list a reality. Many, who donated their time, seemed genuinely happy to be there. “Merry Christmas!” rang out every so often and it was reciprocated gladly. Too many mothers to count embraced the volunteers as they carried out their bags of gifts for their children – - who would now have a Christmas this year that they would not have otherwise had.

It was a record- breaking day as the numbers of the most vulnerable in the Spokane community needing assistance was up. So far, the percentage of people requiring help was up 12% from last year and those figures are likely to increase. Theresa Dryden, Catholic Charities Special Events Coordinator, said that they had to close the door on a lot of people towards the end of the day, as the line had grown all the way to Havana Street . But not to worry! The Christmas Bureau will be open from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. through December 13th. Be advised that they will require picture identification and proof of residency. For those that do not live in the Spokane area, there are many different charitable organizations that advertise in the local paper offering outreach to those in need during the holiday season.

DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

Like the people who were turned away, don’t be left without any resources. If your holidays are looking grim, and you’re needing a financial boost – - payday loans can provide some relief. Funds for community organizations are usually based on a first – come, first – serve basis. Considering that, payday loans are readily available without any lines.