It’s that time of year again – when the smell of turkey is quickly replaced by the stampeding of shopping feet rushing into shopping malls and countless stores. However, many are opting to remain away from the intense activity historically associated with Black Friday (even if this year promises to be different) and shop on Cyber Monday instead. In fact, this year shoppers are presently anticipated to spend $2.27 billion on Cyber Monday alone, which is 15 percent more than last year.

However, it helps to be a conscious shopper even if websites proclaim to have “the best deals of the season” or “lowest prices of the year” there may be other promotions that offer deeper discounts. Items that typically receive the best discounts during Black Friday are electronics and large appliances particularly those models from the previous year.

According to Editors’ Choice, Black Friday is a good time to look into purchasing computers, hard drives, USB flash drives, and kitchen appliances. However, Cyber Monday has a special place in holiday savings as well. Reserve purchases relating to clothing and shoes on Cyber Monday when the better deals for these items are expected.

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Cyber Monday last year saw an unprecedented level of online activity. While it remains to be seen whether Cyber Monday 2013 will prove to be as popular as Cyber Monday 2012, one thing is certain, the online holiday is here to stay.

RT @steverubel @cnntech: Billion$ day: #CyberMonday was biggest #ecommerce day in history http://on.cnn.com/gckbdX CyberMondayHomepage.com

— Cyber Monday Sales (@CyberMondaySale) December 1, 2010

In fact, such is the holiday-crazed culture that multiple days following Thanksgiving have all been given their own holiday such as the following: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and now Giving Tuesday.

After Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, & Cyber Monday comes GIVING TUESDAY! Mark your calendar — 12/3/13! #GivingTuesday

— Zahra Billoo (@ZahraBilloo) November 21, 2013

With all the holiday cheer and good spirits, shoppers may be more prone to manipulation by scams. During this season, shoppers should still be cautious before jumping into purchases.

[Images Via Wikimedia Commons and Courtesy of Roger Price and Charlie Brewer]