5 Online Retailers That Offer Gift Cards and Rewards Systems

Shopping season is approaching, and for millions of Australians, that means a trip down to the mall or nearest retail strip. With hundreds of sales to choose from and lofty discounts abound, the end-of-year shopping season is Australia's peak retail period. Stores are packed with customers, malls close to bursting at the seams, and the wallets and chequebooks of Australian shoppers scarily empty.

But what if you don't want to go out? What if you want to stay at home, avoiding the endless crowd of retail shoppers that's bound to be at the mall? What if, unlike every other shopper, you'd prefer to pick from thousands of shops instead of the traditional fifty you'd find at the mall. The answer, very far from surprisingly, is to shop at home using an online mall, internet retailer, or auction website.

These five online retailers all offer a gift card option, making the the perfect choice for Christmas gifts and other timely purchases. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your close friends, or just searching for a great gift card for your family, these five Australian and international online shops are sure to have what you need. Don't spend too much, and have a happy Christmas season.

1. Amazon.com

The grandfather of every other online store, Amazon.com is an online icon. While Australians aren't given priority shipping or other America-only benefits, it's still one of the most cost-effective stores for online shopping. With the Australian dollar at an all-time high point against the US dollar, it's an incredibly inexpensive place to shop for home items, Christmas gifts, or stored-value gift cards.

2. Lasoo.com.au

Lasoo is Australia's version of Amazon.com – an all-inclusive online store that stocks almost every gift under the sun. From cleaning products to stylish fashion clothing, it's all to be found here, with a healthy discount on most items. While Lasoo doesn't quite match Amazon in terms of pricing, it's still a simple, cost-effective, and highly reliable choice for online holiday shopping and gift cards.

3. eBay.com

An iconic dot-com company, eBay is the world's biggest second-hand goods marketplace. Users can search for used and new products by price, style, and location, allowing anyone to tailor pick any of their Christmas gifts or personal items. From luxury watches to kitsch children's toys, just about any gift can be found on eBay, either as an international item or on the Australian domestic version.

4. AmericanExpress.com

Can't decide what to buy? If you're shopping for a very difficult relative or friend, consider buying an American Express pre-loaded gift card. These cards are identical to a credit or debit card in just about every way, except they draw credit from a stored value rather than an account. Ideal for gifts and unexpected presents, an American Express gift card is the best way to avoid gift-giving errors.

5. Kmart.com.au

The famous big-box retailer is also online, offering a variety of items for Australians. While stores like Amazon and Lasoo have the online marketplace locked down, Kmart offers competitive prices on a variety of Australian and international products. If you're struggling to find the perfect holiday gift, buy a Kmart gift card. Valid both online and off, the gift cards are highly versatile presents.