Our kids love going to the zoo. Even as an adult, it is easy to see why. Who doesn’t want to see penguins swimming and monkeys swinging? If you’re not careful a family trip to the zoo can cost a small fortune. Luckily, with just a little planning (and a lot of coupons!) you won’t have to think twice about how much money you’re going to spend. Instead you can think about how much money you’re going to save.

Save on Admissions

Never pay full price for admission to the zoo (or anywhere, really, for that matter). Make sure and check your Entertainment book for buy one, get one free coupons. A friend at work (who doesn’t have kids) gives me her zoo coupon from the Entertainment book, too. That way we only pay for two adults and both kids get in free. Nice! Also make sure and check your zoo’s family and friends programs. If you plan to go to the zoo enough, you might be better off buying a membership.

Save on Meals

When I was a sleep-deprived first time mom (as opposed to the sleep-deprived second time mom I am now), we took our son to the zoo for the first time. I had packed a well-stocked diaper bag, but didn’t bring a lunch for my husband and me. I learned the hard way that just because you spend $45 dollars on lunch at the zoo doesn’t mean it will taste good. Yuck! I now know to pack a lunch for the entire family and I save a small fortune by doing it. We have a small collapsible cooler that fits perfectly under the stroller tray. It’s a quick and painless (and healthy!) way to save $45 or more.

Save at the Gift Shop

I recognize that not stepping foot into the gift shop is a great way to save money. However, I prefer to let the kids each pick out a small treat and I just use coupons to make it more affordable. When you buy your admission ticket make sure and check the ticket stub, the zoo map, and the zoo program for coupons. Last time we went there was a coupon for 30 percent off one item in the gift shop. Of course my husband and I each used one of the coupons so we saved 30 percent off two t-shirts for the kiddos. Plus I love seeing the kids wearing their zoo t-shirts. If they have to eat PBJ from home, I can at least splurge on a new t-shirt for them, right?

Save on Gas

And last but not least, don’t forget to save on gas. All your coupon work won’t mean much if you’re spending a ton of money on gas. Instead, make sure and fuel up at Costco (if you’re a member) or consider using one of the grocery store rewards programs to save on gas. Albertsons, Safeway and Fred Meyer all offer discounts per gallon based on how much you spend at their store.

Now that you can save on admissions, lunch, gifts, and even the gas to get there, what are you waiting for? It’s time for a family day at the zoo!

Images: 1, 2, 3

Apparel

When it comes to cute clothes for kids, Carter's is tough to beat! They have adorable apparel for newborns through kids size 7, and coupon code LAUGH will take 20% off orders of $40 or more through May 31. Be sure to check out their swim shop for summer!

The Funtastic Kids and Baby Sale at Old Navy is a great place to stock up on new duds for your little one. You'll find graphic onesies, sports team apparel, pajamas, bodysuits, and even tiny little cargo shorts. Plus, coupon code ONSAVE15 takes an extra 15% off kids and baby styles. But hurry, this sale ends tomorrow, May 16!

Don't forget to keep your baby's tiny toes protected too. Robeez has fun footwear for babies and toddlers in a variety of styles, shapes, and patterns. Buy two or more pairs and your order ships for free.

Baby Gear

Want to do one stop shopping for all of baby's goods? BabyAge carries strollers, car seats, bedding, clothing, and even pregnancy products. Whatever you pick, use coupon code TJOOSBABY to knock $10 off orders of $99 or more through May 31.

Diapers can be a huge expense for new parents, but Diapers.com can help with the cost of keeping your baby's bottom in order. Buy a case of diapers and use coupon code DIAPERS10A to take $10 off your order, or use coupon code OHBABY10P to take 10% off any non-diaper purchase at Diapers.com.

Want a state of the art stroller? Stroller Depot stocks the biggest brands in strollers, like Zooper, Baby Bjorn, and more. Take 8% off your order with coupon code 08sale2012 through May 30, and don't forget that orders of $100 or more always ship free.

Maternity

Want to stay stylin' during your pregnancy? Isabella Oliver has beautiful maternity wear for casual and formal occasions. This week they're offering a variety of coupons everyday; today, May 15, coupon code SPREE43 takes 43% off maternity wear. On May 16, save 39% with coupon code SPREE39, and save 35% with coupon code SPREE35 on May 17.

Pregnancy doesn't mean you can't stay on top of current fashion trends. In addition to regular apparel, ASOS also has their own maternity line. You'll find dresses, tops, swimwear and more, and it always ships and returns for free from ASOS.

Baby Shower Gifts and Supplies

Planning a big shindig to welcome your little one? Celebrate Express has all the gear you need for baby showers, baptisms, and birthdays. Use coupon code ULTIMATE to take $20 off orders of $100 or more.

If you want to pick out a nice keepsake to celebrate a new baby in your family or circle of friends, Personalization Mall has great gifts for baby that will be treasured for many years to come. Check out blankets, spoons, pewter cups, wall hangings, frames, plush toys and more for baby, but be sure to use coupon code PMALL10D to take $10 off orders of $50 or more through June 30.

Image credits: Featured 1, Featured 2, Featured 3, 1, 2, 3

Mother’s day is right around the corner – are you ready? If you haven’t started shopping yet, don’t worry! You still have a few days to score the perfect gift. Ultimate Coupons makes it easy to save money on Mother’s Day gifts – they compiled a long list of Mother’s Day coupons to help you save on flowers, gift baskets and more.

In order to find the perfect gift, first take a few minutes to reflect on your mom (or aunt, or sister, or whomever you are honoring this mother’s day). What does she enjoy? What would make her smile? Here are a few ideas to consider.

Flowers: An Oldie but a Goodie

Flowers make not be one of the most creative ideas in the book, but they are often one of the most appreciated. I mean, seriously, who doesn’t like getting flowers?! I recently placed an order with ProFlowers and it was so simple. Their website was easy to navigate and from start to finish, it took less than 10 minutes. And that included the time it took me to come up with a cute rhyme for the card from the grandkids! Make sure and check the Ultimate Coupons site before you order because they have a coupon offer for ProFlowers.

Photo Gifts

Have you noticed that these days you can put a photo on just about anything? Costco offers some fun and creative photo gifts, including canvas wrapped prints, coffee mugs, and even stationery. They also offer photo books - I love giving photo books as gifts. Depending on the size of your photo book, it doesn’t take long to assemble – you just click and drag the photos you want to use. Shutterfly (and dozens other places) offer photo books, too, so just find the one you like best and voila! Mother’s day gift magic. Another bonus? You can order multiple copies of the book for all the grandmas (and great grandmas!) on your shopping list.

Dinner Out: No Cooking Required!

Unless the mom on your list simply loves to cook, I bet she would love a chance to take a break from the kitchen. Check out restaurant.com for participating restaurants – you can save as much as 90 percent off gift certificates! Another option is to purchase a meal plan from a “cook and carry.” One of my favorites is Dinners Done Right. All of the ingredients are spread out for you and you simply assemble the dishes. It is the closest I ever feel to channeling Martha Stewart! If you want to pay a slightly higher fee, Dinners Done Right will assemble the meals for you and you simply drive by and pick them up.

Gifts from the Heart: Think Outside the Wallet

I know it might sound cheesy, but the best mother’s day gifts don’t cost a thing (dear husband, if you are reading this blog, feel free to stick to the list I gave you!). For mother’s day last year, we hosted both grandmas for brunch. Our son made homemade place cards and took his waiter role very seriously. Then after brunch he sang a song to the grandmas – he sang “What a wonderful world.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he was done! Granted, I had to encourage him to do with a little maternal guilt and the promise of a new Lego set, but it was priceless. We captured it on video and it melts my heart to this day.

So, if you haven’t started shopping yet, don’t worry! It may turn out that you don’t need to buy anything at all. And if you do need to buy something, Ultimate Coupons has a list of Mother’s Day coupons just for you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Images: 1, 2, 3

Beauty and Fashion

A mom's purse is a magical thing; somehow, she manages to keep all sorts of daily accoutrements and miscellaneous kids' stuff in there and still keep it organized. If a mom in your life needs an upgrade on her purse, check out Fossil. They carry classic, practical purses ranging from high quality leather bags to coated canvas bags that are a breeze to clean. From now until May 9, they're offering free overnight shipping on orders of $75, so there's no need to worry about your gift arriving on time.

Super fashionable moms will be thrilled with a gift from Endless. They carry a huge assortment of accessories like shoes, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry and more. Pick out $100 or more worth of stylish merchandise and use coupon code MOTHER20 to take 20% off your order. Coupon expires May 13.

Whether you're an adult honoring your own mother, or a husband appreciating all your wife does for your kids, jewelry makes a beautiful and thoughtful Mother's Day gift. MyJewelryBox.com is offering 20% off plus free shipping on orders over $150 with coupon code MDAY20. Coupon expires May 31.

Have a super sporty, active mom? Check out women's wear at Puma; right now they're offering 25% off all women's styles, no coupon needed. You'll find athletic apparel, casual wear, shoes and more. Discount is reflected in cart and expires May 13.

From new moms to veteran grandmas, every mother loves a set of comfy pajamas. Bedhead Pajamas is offering 15% off sitewide with coupon code MOM15. Check out cute Mommy and Me styles for adorable coordinating sleepwear! Offer expires May 31.

Perfume is a timeless gift for moms of any age, and Perfumania is offering a great BOGO deal on their perfumes. All perfumes are buy one, get one 50% off, no coupon needed. It's a great way to pick up a gift for two moms at once, or even treat yourself to a new fragrance of your own! Sale ends May 14.

Edible Gifts

Spoil your mom with a sweet treat from Cheryl's. They have a huge selection of cookie gifts that come in pretty, pink tins that moms are sure to love. Coupon code MOM15 takes 15% off through May 14.

If your mom prefers chocolates, check out this offer at Godiva. Now through May 11, select Mother's Day gifts are 15% off with coupon code SHOP, plus orders of $65 or more ship for free with coupon code MOM.

Other Gifts

Want to pick something out that's uniquely hers? Personalization Mall has tons of gift ideas for moms, like vases, garden stones, frames, figurines, candles — you name it! Plus, they're all customizable. Coupon code PMALL10D takes $10 off orders of $50 or more through June 30.

Picky mom? You can't go wrong with flowers! Now through May 12, FTD is offering a free $25 Restaurant.com gift card when you place an order through this link. Whether you treat mom to dinner or keep it for yourself is up to you!

What are you getting your mom this year? And moms, what was your favorite Mother's Day gift?

Image credits: Featured, 1, 2, 3

Flowers are a Top Pick

Flowers are the number one gift for Mother's Day with 43% of shoppers saying this present is top on their list. It's a great go-to gift for mom because you don't have to worry about it fitting properly or whether it's something she already owns. Flowers are beautiful and timeless just like mom. But before you go doing something crazy like paying full retail price, you'll want to check out some daily deal bargains. Plum District, a daily deal site geared towards moms, offers $30 worth of flowers from Teleflora for just $15. Daily deal hot shot Living Social is offering a similar deal-- score $30 worth of flowers from ProFlowers.com for just $15. Spend a little more at Groupon.com and you'll get a little more. They're offering $40 to spend at FTD for just $20.

Jewelry Shines on Mother's Day

Another popular Mother's Day gift choice is jewelry, with 15% of consumers saying this is on their shopping list. Sticking to the under $100 price point for jewelry can be challenging, but with daily deal sites it's definitely easier. Plum District is promoting an offer that will double your money at Naomi Gray Designs. A $50 voucher gets you $100 to spend on mom.

Shower Mom with Clothing or Accessories

Coming in just behind gift cards at number three on the Mom's Day gift list is clothing and accessories. Seventeen percent of kids say that's probably what they'll buy mom. On daily deal sites you can make your gift budget stretch with bargains like $50 to spend on clothing and accessories at Neiman Marcus site LastCall.com for just $25 at Living Social. If mom likes more unique items you'll definitely want to check out GroopDealz. The site specializes in handmade items from various artisans and you can score a lovely rings, necklaces and bags at a deep discount.

Give Mom an Experience

Some moms would prefer experiences over stuff and according to PriceGrabber 15% of shoppers will hunt for a memorable Mother's Day gift like dinner, a vacation or a show. A common daily deal offer involves discounts at local spas. Search for deals in your mom's area that include hot stone massages, spa pedicures or indulgent facials. If you feel like spoiling mom (and spending more than $100) check out daily deal site Jetsetter, offering luxurious travel packages. Once a deal goes live on Jetsetter it usually lasts five to seven days or until it's sold out.

Daily Deals Work for Procrastinators

Surveys show that about one-third of shoppers purchase their Mother's Day gifts one week before the holiday. Twenty-seven percent pick it up two weeks prior. But then there are those who like waiting until the last minute. Roughly one in five shoppers fall into this category of waiting until within 48 hours of the holiday. With daily deal sites last minute shopping is OK-- especially if you plan to hand the voucher over to mom and let her do the actual shopping. It also works just fine when you're using daily deal sites to buy experiential gifts because you'll just have to come up with a creative way to reveal the gift to mom when Sunday, May 13 comes around.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit

I’m a sucker for babies. I love the way they smell, the way they snuggle into your neck, the way they look so peaceful when sleeping. But there is a price you pay to have all that cuteness in your life! According to an estimate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it costs approximately $250,000 to raise a child up to the age of 17. Yikes! But before that number keeps you awake at night, here are a few tips and tricks on how to baby your wallet as you plan for your new addition.

Tip 1: Stockpile Diapers

When we first found out we were pregnant, a friend gave us some great advice. She suggested we buy a box of diapers from Costco each paycheck until the little one arrived. By the time our son arrived, a section of our garage looked like a diaper warehouse. But it payed off! And if you’re worried about buying too much of one size, don’t be. Costco will exchange unopened boxes of diapers so we were able to get the sizes we needed. Make sure and watch the Costco coupon books because several times a year diapers go on sale, sometimes for as much as $8 off per box.

Tip 2: Use Coupons for Baby Gear

I still find it hard to believe that something so small could require so much gear! After lots (and lots!) of comparison shopping, I found it hard to beat the prices at Toys R Us because of their coupons. They will often have a 20 percent off coupon for baby gear. When we were pregnant, I used to ask my neighbors for their coupons, too. I had a great stockpile of them in my coupon caddy so I never had to pay full price for anything.

Tip 3: Use Coupons to Save on Formula

All of the major formula companies (Enfamil, Similac, etc) have membership programs. If you join (it only takes a minute or two online) they will send you free baby products, including a diaper bag, baby formula, and coupons for formula. When I was no longer able to nurse, I switched to formula and the membership programs made a real difference. You may have read this in one of my other posts – my favorite tip is to register everyone you know for the program. That way instead of getting one free canister of formula, you can get dozens. I continued to receive formula and coupons long after my kids were toddlers so I donated all of that to our local food bank.

Tip 4: Sign Up for FREE Baby Magazines

I learned quickly after a baby that I wouldn’t have time to finish that book I started when pregnant. My days of lying in bed reading for hours were over! I found that magazines were the only thing I could read because I could read an article in just a few minutes. Baby Talk is my favorite baby magazine and it’s FREE. If you’re going to a baby shower, make sure and register the new mama for Baby Talk and include a note in the card to let her know. She’ll be glad you did!

The cost of raising a baby can be daunting. But as every mom will attest, babies are simply priceless.

Cinco de Mayo

Instead of going out this Saturday for Cinco de Mayo, why not cook your own Mexican meal? MexGrocer.com has everything from tamale kits to hot sauces, and you can get 10% off whatever you order with coupon code MEXITEN.

Having friends over for the evening? Celebrate Express has all of the Cinco de Mayo party supplies you need for a night full of fun and food, and you can get 15% off with coupon code WELCOME15.

You'll find even more party favors at Oriental Trading Company; check out their Fiesta section for great Cinco de Mayo party favors like banners, piñatas, margarita glasses, and more. Orders of $49 or more ship for free at Oriental Trading.

Up the ante this Cinco de Mayo and book a trip to Mexico through Travelocity. You can see all of their Mexico vacation packages here; use your American Express to book your trip and save $50 on packages of $250 or more with coupon code AMEXSAVE50, or save $100 on packages of $500 or more with coupon code AMEXSAVE100. Both coupons expire May 31, 2012.

Kentucky Derby

If you're watching the derby from the comfort of your own home, dress up your party with supplies from ShinDigz. They have party supplies especially for the Kentucky Derby, like horse themed decor and classy tableware. Coupon code WSJK9H ships orders of $85 or more for free.

What's the Kentucky Derby without a crazy, huge hat? Hats.com has derby hats galore. If you buy three or more hats, they'll ship for free! See details here. Brooks Brothers also has fabulous derby hats here, plus tons of dressy attire for men and women.

Actually attending the derby in person? TickCo has Kentucky Derby Tickets. Spend $100 or more and get $15 off your order with coupon code ORDR15TC, or spend $250 or more and get $20 off your order with coupon code ORDR20TC. Plus, coupon code FSOVERTC ships orders of $200 or more for free. All coupons expire May 31.

If you'd rather stick it out with your own horse at home, pick them up something special from State Line Tack. Coupon code CJSTJOOS gets you 10% off orders of $100 or more through June 30, 2012.

What's your favorite May event?

Image credits: Featured 1, Featured 2, 1, 2, 3,

PayPal Debit MasterCard

The PayPal Debit MasterCard is an option for people who are fans of PayPal and perhaps already use the service frequently.

Its selling points are:

• Earn 1% cash back when you sign for purchases
• Accepted wherever MasterCard is accepted
• Funds from your PayPal account are used first, but another bank account can also be used

For Ian Aronovich, co-founder and CEO of governmentauctions.org, the protection against unauthorized charges is also a great benefit. "Funds come directly out of your bank as well as being funded through sales you may make on eBay or elsewhere," says Aronovich. "As co-owner of a small business I find it the best card for our interests and it allows us to keep track of everything."

PNC Bank Visa Check Card

PNC offers a rewards program for debit card holders.

Details include:

• Earn one point for every $2 in qualifying purchases.
• Eligible PNC debit cards can be enrolled into the rewards program.

The points earned by using the PNC Bank Visa Check Card can be redeemed for travel, electronics, cash, gift cards and more. According to the fine print, some of the rewards debit cards are charged a $10 annual fee so find out if you'd be hit with that before signing up.

PerkStreet Financial Platinum Debit MasterCard

One of the most popular debit rewards cards seems to be PerkStreet Financial's Platinum Debit MasterCard.

• Earn 1% cash back almost anywhere you use your card.
• Earn 2% cash back at select retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
• Get 5% PowerPerks at rotating retailers each month.

Tyler Spraul, with CreditCardChaser.com, says it's the best card in terms of rewards. "The PerkStreet rewards debit card is the card to have in the debit cards category for rewards," he says. "This is a huge bonus for people who have poor credit or just don't want to get bogged down with credit cards."

Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card from SunTrust

Frequent travelers may prefer a debit card that offers more than cash back.

Benefits include the ability to:

• Receive 5,000 airline miles after your first purchase
• Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on PIN purchase
• Earn 2 miles on every $1 spent on Delta purchase

In that case, there is the Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card from SunTrust. It offers users a chance to earn extra airline miles for making purchases without having to use a credit card. In the past the only way to earn miles was by racking up debt, but at least this gives an alternative option.

The Target RED Debit Card

Attention Target shoppers—here's a rewards debit card you can benefit from.The debit card:

• Draws from an existing bank account.
• Save 5% on Target purchases.

Target has had their own credit card for years, but now they're offering a debit card. Keep in mind the 5% savings does not apply to gift cards, prescriptions and some other excluded items.

Read the Fine Print

Most of the debit cards offering cash back rewards only do so when you enter your PIN during the transaction. That means when you are at the checkout line, don't hit "credit" after you swipe your card if you want to reap the benefits of the debit perks. This requirement may also limit your ability to take advantage of the rewards when making purchases online. But if you're looking for an alternative to credit cards that actually provides some reward, then one of these debit cards could be a great option for you.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit

I remember when I was in my twenties, it seemed like every weekend we were guests at a wedding. My husband (then boyfriend) and I would joke about whose wedding is it this time? I spent so much time in the Macy’s wedding department shopping off registries that the folks who worked there called me by my first name (and I’m not joking).

Soon the mass wedding circuit turned into the mass baby shower circuit. After shopping at a hectic Toys R Us a few dozen times, I really missed the serenity of the Macy’s wedding department! Now that I am in my thirties, it seems like I spend a lot less of my time at weddings and baby showers, and way too much time at kids’ birthday parties.

Weddings, Baby Showers, Birthdays = Gift Giving

What do weddings, baby showers and birthday parties all have in common? My first thought was cake but that is only because I am hungry as I write this. What they all have in common is that as a guest you bring a gift, and that can get expensive. But it doesn’t have to. Here are few tips to buying gifts without breaking the bank.

Tip 1: Start a Gift Closet

Start by having a place in your home (or garage) where you can store unopened gifts. It doesn’t have to be a huge space –a section of a coat closet, or even under the bed storage will work. The key is to have one place where you store all the great deals. It will also be the first place you look before you go out and buy anything new.

Tip 2: Shop Seasonally

Take full advantage of seasonal sales to stock your gift closet. For example, at Christmas time board games will be marked down to crazy prices as stores compete for your business. Stock up! I have been known to buy four Candy Lands when they were $3.99. Board games make great birthday party gifts. Also, remember back to school time. Art supplies will be cheap! I buy tons of art supplies because they make great gifts for kids, too. And don’t forget hostess gifts. I love giving candles as a hostess gift. When stores change out their candles at the end of a season, you can get them for almost nothing. Tie some wire ribbon around it, add a homemade tag and voila!

Tip 3: It’s All About Presentation

Never underestimate the wrapping! Just make sure you don’t pay a fortune for it. After the holiday season I buy enough tissue paper to last the whole year. It goes on clearance for next to nothing and I stock up. I also love buying plain white paper and having my kids decorate it themselves (if the gift is small enough I have found that coloring sheet pages work perfectly, too). And if you are a Macy's card holder, make sure and check to see if you get free wrapping. They wrap the gifts so beautifully, it is hard to open them.

Tip 4: Remember the Coupons

And the most important tip? Check to see what coupons you can use first!

It is possible to buy great gifts on a budget. Enjoy the party and have a piece of cake for me.

Images: 1, 2

The New True Fit Technology

Developed by mathematicians over the past five years, many retailers like Macy's and Nordstrom are adopting technology called True Fit. The idea is to find out what a customer currently owns to predict whether they'll like the new purchase or not. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the True Fit system currently includes a database of 350 fashion brands from Jean Paul Gaultier to Joe's Jeans.

The technology claims to be able to reduce returns and help shoppers find satisfaction by utilizing three steps:

1. What Brands Fit You Well? - Tell the program two to three brands you already  have in your closet. Whether you love the way Lucky jeans hug your curves or you can't get enough of your Guess tank top, the True Fit system wants to know.

2. How Do You Describe Your Body? - Tell True Fit what you really think about your hips, seat and thighs. Choose between straight, average, curvy or very curvy.

3. How Much Do You Weigh? - The final step is to add in your height and weight and then your True Fit profile will be complete.

Refer to Size Charts

Only a select number of retailers are investing in the True Fit technology right now. If you shop at a store that doesn't have it there are still other ways to decrease your odds of returning an item. You may be a size six at the Gap but a size 8 at Ann Taylor. Most clothing retailers offer a sizing chart so shoppers know what size to buy based on their measurements. So pull out your trusty tape measure (not the metal kind!) and examine the size of your waist.

Your natural waist is somewhere between your belly button and rib cage. You'll probably also want to measure your chest, hips and inseam. Suhaili Shazreena Sudin finds this method almost foolproof.

"Most websites that I go to specify the measurements of the clothes even though the clothes are free size," says Sudin, who owns FashionParaizo.com. "Based on the measurement alone, I can identify whether the clothes can actually fit me or not."

See how you size up compared to the retailer's fit chart and you may have a better shot than if you just bought the same size each time.

Alternatives for Small Retailers

Obviously not every online retailer has the budget to invest in pricey virtual fitting room technology. But that doesn't mean smaller retailers can't help you find the perfect fit. Some are getting very creative with the way they assist shoppers. Holly Xerri, creator of Camibands, is on call 12 hours a day to advise customers.

"I realize that sizing can be an issue, so I make myself available 9:30am-9:30pm with a 'size help hotline' where women can actually call and get my advice if unsure of which size Camiband to buy," she says. "I realize that most websites don't offer this and the ladies really appreciate talking to a live person! I have even gone so far as to look at pictures of themselves to evaluate the perfect size."

That's because Holly knows if a customer is happy with their purchase, she won't have to issue a refund and she may just score a repeat sale down the road.

The Future of Online Shopping

Someday you may be able to scan your body with your Smartphone to get a true test as to whether something will fit or not. But for now online shopping holds a little bit of a risk—especially when buying things like jeans, swimsuits and shoes. Just make sure before, you click buy, that you review the retailer's return policy. Because while returns are annoying, getting stuck with a piece of clothing that doesn't fit is even worse.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit