With less than a week of shopping days left before Christmas, consumers are usually wrapping things up by this point, both literally and figuratively.

But not this year. Tight financial circumstances have many shoppers holding out for the best deals. With just a handful of days left before Christmas, only 8% of consumers have finished their shopping, according to the National Retail Federation. And close to 41 million have yet to begin.

Whether you re hitting the mall this weekend to grab a few last-minute stocking stuffers or planning to tackle your entire shopping list in one fell swoop, here's our guide on how to get the best deals on all your purchases -- both at the mall and online:

Keep your identity safe

Identity thieves have joined the ranks of the Grinch, Scrooge and other holiday evildoers. As you shop, take care to keep your personal and financial information safe from scammers and spammers.

7 Ways to Protect Your Identity While Shopping
The whirlwind of holiday shopping opens a huge window of opportunity for identity thieves.

Hunt down the perfect presents

With only six days to go, store shelves are rapidly emptying. To make sure you're covered, come up with a few gift ideas for each person on your shopping list. To help expand your options, read our stories:

Ranking Free Online Personal Shoppers
Shopping for presents on a tight budget? We put four gift-picking sites to the test.

Fiscally-Responsible Gift Giving for Kids
Want your child to learn how to budget, save and give back? These gifts should help.

Slideshow: 12 Toys on the Hot List
These toys are all the rage this holiday season. Here's where to find them for cheap.

Take advantage of widespread promotions

Cash-strapped retailers have offered all sorts of big sales and promotions throughout the holiday-shopping season with no end in sight. Given the bonanza mentality, there's no reason to pay full price. Here's where to find the best deals.

Retail s Latest Stunt: Free Shipping Day
This promotion offers lots of deals, but it's not the only discount in town.

5 Ways to Nab Great Gadget Deals
How to find the best bargains on everything from flat-screen TVs to digital cameras.

8 Giant Discounts on Pricey Fashion Items
Who s selling 50%-off diamonds, discounted cashmere and more.

The Price (Adjustment) is Right
Retailer policies enable you to save long after you've left the store.

Put your deal-finding skills to work

Don t jump on the first sale you see. Before hitting the stores, conduct a quick search through price-comparison sites like PriceGrabber.com or NexTag.com for the items on your list. Then check for coupons and other promotions to sweeten the deal.

Which Comparison Shopping Site Is Best?
We put nine price-comparison search engines to the test. Here's how they fared.

5 Best Coupon-Clipping Web Sites
Coupon sites are everywhere. Here's where you'll find the best, most reliable deals.

3 Ways to Reduce Shipping Fees
Shipping boxes of presents is going to cost you this holiday season. Here's how to save.

Be cautious about at-risk retailers

Sharper Image and Linens 'N Things are just two of the retailers who've filed for bankruptcy protection and liquidated their stores this year. And analysts expect more to follow suit after the lackluster holiday season. For shoppers, that uncertainty means not every deal is a good one. Here's what you need to keep in mind when buying from a retailer on the brink:

Tips for Shopping Closeout Sales
Going-out-of-business sales offer plenty of deep discounts -- and pitfalls.

Guaranteeing a Gift Card Pays
Buying a gift card is no longer a sure thing. Here's what card buyers need to know.

The Rocky Path to Rebates
Shoppers face new difficulties when redeeming mail-in rebates.

Prepare for the worst

Not every gift is destined for success. Make sure any dud gifts can be returned postholiday for a full refund.

Many Happy Returns
Five ways to ensure that the so-so present you buy now can be returned later.