It's been difficult to avoid news over the last couple of weeks about the shopping phenomena that are 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' hitting the UK. Whether online or on the high street, you couldn't move for offers and discounts relating to 'Black Friday', 'Sofa Sunday' and 'Cyber Monday' and this year the 'Black Friday' US shopping event was even more prevalent in the UK than ever before.

With many of the discounts and deals available online, it's hardly surprising that online shopping is expected to grow by 10% this Christmas compared to 2013, with Metapack predicting a record 120 million orders in December alone. Black Friday loudly marked the beginning of the festive shopping season and I predict that there will be a further three key shopping dates before the big day. So avoid the crowds and read through my tips for getting the most out of online shopping this Christmas:

1. Don't panic: For anyone that didn't get the chance, or didn't want to snap up some of the weekend's deals, the good news is they haven't missed the boat. There is still plenty of time to make the most of online deals and therefore to get the gifts you want for your nearest and dearest this Christmas. With December 25th landing on a Thursday this year, there are actually more shopping days than usual - which experts are predicting will result in a series of 'Manic Mondays' and a surge in online sales on December 8th, 15th and 22nd. As in previous years, we are likely to see some retailers start their 'Boxing Day' sales before the big day and possibly even earlier this year - so there are more chances to get some great deals on Christmas gifts.

2. Be pragmatic: Christmas falls later in the week this year making it tempting to leave your online shopping later than usual. Some companies are offering next day delivery right up until 23rd December, but be careful and plan ahead. Leaving things until the last minute could result in panic and potential late presents

3. Save time: It is important when shopping online, that you take the time to look at the delivery options available to you. Home delivery is not the only option and could see you wasting precious hours looking out for a delivery driver. Instead, make the most of retailers' click and collect options and pick your order up from a location convenient to you. Most retailers now also offer click and collect services to their stores allowing you to fit in your online shopping with your busy lifestyle.

4. Boomerang Wednesday: For anyone that ended up buying a little too much during this year's 'Black Friday,' 'Sofa Sunday' and 'Cyber Monday' sales or perhaps realised they now have one too many presents for Mum and Dad - don't worry. There's still plenty of time to return online orders and get your money back to buy again before Christmas. Our own research tells us that people anticipate they will return on average 31% of the items they buy online this Christmas, with a peak last week on Wednesday 3 December which has been dubbed 'Boomerang Wednesday' - and another expected the week before Christmas. Retailers are prepared for this so shoppers will be reimbursed as quickly as possible.

5. Check the returns policy: It's tricky buying something for someone else and it's important that you have the option to return purchases. Before you even click through to the check-out, take a look at the retailer's returns policy and ensure you are aware of any postage charges and refund policies. The good news is that many retailers extend their standard 14-day returns over Christmas until the end of January, so you've got plenty of time to exchange or to get a refund. Much like delivery, forward thinking retailers are also making returns services more flexible meaning you can often return parcels to a range of convenient points, not just the Post Office. CollectPlus works with over 260 retailers so shoppers do not have to go out of their way to send an item back or waste time queuing through their lunch hours.

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