RALEIGH, N.C. • The Christmas Countdown is fully under way. Black Friday is behind us, and for the next month you will be charmed, pitched and enticed. Your emotions will be tugged upon. Eyelashes may be batted.

And that's just from retailers. There's no telling what your loved ones may try to ensure that their wish lists are fulfilled.

We know about wishes. We also know that many budgets are tight - and even if they're not, who doesn't love a bargain? So as an early holiday present, here are some tips that could make the next few weeks easier on your budgets.

Consider layaway.

Sears has brought it back. Kmart has never forgotten it. And smaller retailers think it's a fine thing, too.

Layaway, the original frugal way to buy, is being rediscovered by those who have been seduced away by credit cards.

There's a lot to like about it - like no interest charges. A side benefit is you don't have to worry about snoopers finding their gifts early.

Most stores that offer layaway require a small down payment that's usually a percentage of the total and a fee upfront, usually around $5. Some have a cancellation fee. There are restrictions, such as no beer or wine, perishables or plants. Some stores won't let you put some things on layaway after a certain date; for example, pricey electronics or obvious Christmas items. Sears has a list of things you can't put on layaway and requires all items to be picked up by Dec. 23. It won't accept new layaways after Dec. 22.

You have to sign a contract and you have to pick the items up by a certain date.

Others offering the service include chains such as Marshalls and Burlington Coat Factory.

If you're not sure a store offers layaway, just ask.

If you do choose layaway, check for fees on returns or cancellations, make sure the item is set aside and find out how refunds are handled as well as price adjustments - can you get the better price if it goes on sale? Always read the terms carefully and make your payments on time.

Plan ahead.

If your gift doesn't fit, is the wrong size or doesn't work, the recipient will be ever so grateful if you've taken return policies into consideration.

Most stores have 30-day return policies, but find out whether they're extending those terms for the holidays. Most policies are posted on the store receipt, but if you've already bought it, that's too late. If the return policy is not posted, go to customer service and ask.

Also request gift receipts and remember to include them with the gift. If the item you're buying has a warranty, make sure it doesn't expire before the gift is unwrapped.

Try haggling.

Retailers want sales this year, so if you have a lower price in mind, see whether they'll accept your offer. Ask for the manager, as most clerks don't have the power to negotiate.
Never haggled before? Just smile and ask whether a lower price would be entertained. Be polite and don't make an offer that's insulting. If your offer is refused, ask whether you can be contacted if the item goes on sale.

Be careful of gift cards.

You've heard it before: Make sure there are no hidden fees, and check expiration dates.

This year, there's the added concern that the retailer may not be around long enough after the holidays for the cards to be redeemed. Others have closed stores and restaurants that are considered low-performers, so if you do buy a gift card, make sure the recipient will be able to use it.

Go online.

That doesn't mean buy online - though it can. Use the Web to research products and prices before you buy and for sites that keep you informed of deals, coupons and promotions:

• Dealnews.com publishes a round-up of price-checked deals and online specials. It recently showcased New Balance shoes for $15 and up.

• DealAlerter.com, run by Consumer World, lets you shop for thousands of products, from electronics to clothes, and allows you to set price alerts so you know when it's offered at the price you want to pay. It also compares prices across several Web sites so you can buy the product now, or wait to be notified via e-mail if the price drops.

• PriceSpider.com searches hundreds of stores for electronic items such as DVD players and flat-screen TVs and shows you a chart of its price history, along with reviews and links to retailers.

• FatWallet.com and SlickDeals.net offer forums, coupons and links to deals that may not be widely advertised.

• Shipgooder.com compares shipping rates from major carriers like the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS. Just plug in your ZIP codes and how much your package weighs and it'll help you find the best deal.

• CyberMonday.com aggregates online holiday sales from 600 companies. Its parent, Shop.org, gets a percentage of sales made through the site.

• Propertyroom.com lets you bid on stolen property. The items were recovered by law enforcement agencies in 47 states. After a state-mandated waiting period, the agencies are allowed to put the loot up for bids. Recent deals included a Cannon digital camera for $31.