Whoever these 'middlemen' are - the ones that are guilty of squirreling away our money when we shop online - they're likely to be feeling pretty badly-off at the moment.
I'm referring here to the trend for online stores to donate fees generated by site advertising and donating it to good causes. A fantastic idea that allows you to get on with your normal shopping while giving to charity at the same time.
One of the best I've seen yet is Give Or Take, which has a straightforward interface as well as interesting features like most popular charities chosen by readers. All you need to do once you've decided where you're going to make your next purchase is find that store's logo on Give Or Take, click through to that site, and shop as usual.
I've just tested it out by buying a copy of the latest Harry Potter film from HMV and donating to Crisis - and can report that it made me feel doubly excited (and a lot less guilty) about indulging in my favourite habit. But there are loads of other retailers signed up, including Hippyshopper faves Adili, Nigel's Eco Store, Ethical Superstore and loads more. It takes just a couple of minutes to register, so why not get yourself an account in time for Christmas shopping and pop it in your bookmarks?
Rewardlover are another good cashback site for shopping.
rewardlover are another good cashback site.