Website Winner: Swaptree.com

If I am considered a pack-rat with anything, then it would easily be one thing: multi-media. Okay, okay.... so the term "multi-media" could actually define 20 or more different categories of stuff, but nevertheless, I love to stock my many bookshelves (Ikea, of course-- if you don't know what Ikea is, Google it now, please?) with as many thick novels, crappy horror movies, and Wii games as much as possible. However, I HATE spending any money at Barnes & Noble (besides on a small cafe au lait once a week-- hey! You need to drink something tasty while reading all of the magazines for free), and so Swaptree.com is a great alternative.

At Swaptree.com, you can list items that you have (books, DVDs, CDs, and video games) and no longer want on their website. You then can create a want list of similar items by listing them. The website then sends you matches (I get AT LEAST 2 a month, if not 20 a month), so you can trade with other people for free. Basically, both parties get rid of no-longer wanted stuff, and gain something they want, too! All you pay for is shipping, and for about $2.33 a trade, it is well worth it.

My top 5 favorite finds on Swaptree.com?

1) "Twilight" (tons of these copies floating around now)

2) "Cooking Mama" for Wii

3) "Big Ass Book of Crafts" (do you know how expensive that is at Borders?)

4) "House Season 1" ($2.33 for an entire TV series? Oh yahhhhh...)

5) ALL of Rachael Ray's cookbooks, in a BRAND NEW condition (acquired over time, of course)

Best of all, membership is free, and Swaptree.com is very easy to use. Go to www.swaptree.com and start treating yourself!

P.S. A tip: Look for things that your loved ones would be interested in WELL IN ADVANCE on this website. Then, we you can trade for it, you will only have spent $2.33 or so for a CD, DVD, book, or game.