Retail therapy: 5 of the best buys that are cheaper and faster on the web

Crowds, queues and impatient kids do not make for successful shopping trips. Did I hear someone say "nightmare"? We've all been there, the on-the-floor tantrums, the whining and begging for sweets at the checkouts or the de-robing in the clothes shop changing rooms. Our personal fave! Our solution? Online shopping. All of the online shopping. Here are five things that are not only easier to get online, they're also cheaper and you don't even have to think about bundling anyone into a car: 1. The weekly shop Leisurely strolls around the supermarket were once outings that you enjoyed. With kids? Not so much. Take the stress out of your day and set yourself up with an online supermarket account. Then, watch with glee when the guy arrives direct to your door with your weekly shop, for literally a few euro extra. Not a tantrum, forgot-to-bring-the-bag or bribery moment in sight. 2. The banking situation Forget queuing at a crowded bank. Just don't do it to yourself. There are very few things that can't be paid for via the magical world of the internet. Clear your credit card bill from the couch, pay off the bin company when the kids are at school. Basically, the world is your bill-paying oyster... 3. Books, books and more books Books for them, books for you. A house filled with books is a happy one, and the internet is the place to get them. Whether you're a die-hard Amazon.com fan or the The Book Depository is your go-to tab, whether your looking for Junior Readers for your six-year-old or the new Harper Lee tome, there are deals to be had online NOW! 4. Holidays If you're anything like we are, you spend hours pouring over the latest holiday offers on the internet. There are some amazing deals to be had, you just need to know where to find them. Put the time in, and you're guaranteed to bag a family holiday you couldn't dream of getting your hands on without our friend, the internet. 5. Cool kiddie clothing  MOOOOOOMM! A cramped changing room, a screaming toddler insisting they won't wear what you have suggested. WHY would you do it to yourself?  Cue the world wide web. Shop around, nab the best bargains (and cutest designs) and find out the under-the-radar flash sale sites. And the best part? Your kids will LOVE tearing open the beautifully-wrapped parcels when they arrive and they'll appreciate them more when they look like presents. Bonus. This article is brought to you by UPC. Why accept less than what you pay for, only UPC delivers the broadband speeds it promises. To see the latest offers click here.