‘Tis the season for giving. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive spirit and forget to protect ourselves against those who take advantage of relaxed attitudes around the holidays.

That’s the message from the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services, which last week issued a series of information sheets to help residents across the province ensure they enjoy peace of mind while making the most of Christmas with their families.

Areas where consumers may be most vulnerable at this time of year include charitable giving, gift cards and online shopping.

When it comes to supporting charities during the holidays – something the Ministry of Consumer Services says 72 per cent of Canadians do – residents are advised to do their research before digging into their pockets by checking the name of the charity online or in the phone book. The Canada Revenue Agency keeps a listing of registered Canadian  charities, as does CanadaHelps, a not-for-profit organization that helps people donate securely online. A good long-term strategy is to keep a yearly plan of the charities you plan to support – within a set budget – and stick to it.

Gift cards solve many holiday challenges – they are always the right size and colour and are easy to wrap. But shoppers should do their research and ensure that they understand the terms and conditions of the card. They should also buy from a reputable retailer and hang onto the receipt as a guarantee of the value of the card. If buying off the rack at a store, check that the card hasn’t been tampered with and ask the retailer to swipe the card to show the balance.

Online shopping – something 57 per cent of Canadians plan to do this Christmas – offers convenience during a busy holiday season. Consumers can ensure they make the most of the e-tail experience by following a few simple tips: avoid getting reeled in by offers and freebies; buy from reputable businesses; know exactly what you are paying for; remember to factor in all taxes, shipping and handling charges, duty and currency exchange to calculate the true cost of the purchase and make sure your credit card and personal information is protected.

For more holiday shopping and charitable giving tips, visit ontario.ca/consumerservices.