Best bets for Cyber Monday deals

Last year, Cyber Monday was the most popular online shopping day of the year, and this year it's predicted that sales will reach $1.2 billion, as eager shoppers take advantage of steals and deals offered by various online retailers.

So how can you get the most bang for your buck?

On "The Early Show on Saturday Morning," CBS News contributor and personal finance expert Regina Lewis shared some of her best bets for this year's Cyber Monday shopping celebrations.

Check out her picks below:

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Special section: Celebrating the holidays 2011
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Best Overall:

Amazon and Zappos

Amazon really pioneered online-only shopping and they continue to do so. We connected with the company and they'll have a range of offers throughout the day along with "Lightning Deals." They show you the percentage off, which is a nice way to really get your head around how good a deal something is. Amazon Prime makes checking out incredibly fast, because you'll have a one-click buying option and free shipping on most items. Once people join Amazon Prime, Amazon tends to become their shopping default, meaning they'll check there before trying anywhere else.

You've got to hand it to Zappos. They offer free shipping both ways 365 days a year. I've never had an issue with them, and that includes returning several big boot boxes this fall. I should point out, they're known for shoes, but they now sell apparel, too, and offer free two-way shipping offer holds.

Best Electronics:

Walmart and Best Buy

Walmart's whole mantra is "everyday low prices" and that holds true online. This year they're reporting they'll have 250 online-only Cyber Week specials. Walmart.com actually has tons of items you won't find in their stores.

Best Buy is pulling out all the stops online this year. Their stores are known for having really helpful guys and girls in blue shirts to answer all your tech questions, and this year online, the site is pretty well organized to give gift giving suggestions. Electronics is such a hot category, so it's an area where people really do want to know what's hot for men, women, teens and kids. They've even got a tech gifts section for sports fans - win-win.

Best Jewelry Deal:

LivingSocial with Blue Nile

Living Social and Groupon are known for providing local deals. Watch for Living Social to really break out with some national deals. For instance, it's already been announced that BlueNile - the online jeweler - will be partnering with Living Social to offer $200 worth of merchandise for $100. So, right off the bat, you'd DOUBLE your buying power if you go this route. Then, using the $200 voucher on Blue Nile means you'll get more bling - and we're talking the real thing - for your buck. This is a Cyber Monday power move!

Best Creative Gift:

GetMaineLobster and Restoration Hardware

What's the point of having millions of items to select from online, if you don't get a little creative. This idea will really get the recipients attention! You can deliver live lobsters or give a gift certificate to order live lobsters - and to be clear - they arrive moving in the box. The only issue is you need to be sure the recipient is around to receive the order and that the dog - having learned from experience - doesn't discover the package first. I like the idea of giving this gift and then enjoying it on New Year's. If you order on Cyber Monday, they're offering 40 percent off their Surf & Turf special. Good stuff.

Every year the Restoration Hardware stocking stuffers get better and better. They're not always cheap, but they're really unique - and there are hundreds of them - everything from Slinkys to survival kits in sardine cans.

Best Free Gift Wrapping:

Neiman Marcus

This is one of the best-kept secrets, especially if there's someone on your list you're trying to impress - a boss or an in-law perhaps - you can order an item on NeimanMarcus.com and they'll gift wrap it for free. They don't even offer that in the store. And, trust me, the gift will look like a million bucks. So, if you purchase an ornament that's $25, by the time Neiman's does their thing and it arrives, it'll look like the Royal Family sent it.

Check out Lewis' tips to plan your Cyber Monday shopping adventure on Page 2.

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