Many of us are bound to our computers for most of the day, so it only makes sense that we'd resort to shopping online when we don't get the chance to step out to go to the mall. But the problem about shopping online is that sometimes we don't explore ways to save.

So here are some tips to saving on Amazon and other online retailers:

Don't hang on to gift cards! Spend them online right away.

Big corporations love giving gift cards, because many of them aren't redeemed. Market Watch said that in 2013, 1 billion dollars worth of gift cards were never redeemed, meaning stores got plenty of extra money for nothing. There are many reasons why gift cards never get used: some get lost, some expire, and sometimes stores even go out of business before you get the chance to shop. So if you get a gift card, go online and use it right away.

“Like” your favorite retailers on Facebook

Many merchants post special coupons or announce sales on their Facebook pages first. Check those pages before you make a purchase online.

Sign up for rewards.

Join loyalty programs, and (if necessary) enter your loyalty number each time you shop. You can earn money back on your purchases, or be eligible for other great deals.

You can find out Amazon’s most heavily discounted item each day by visiting Camelcamelcamel.

On the day of this writing, an Armand Nicolet watch was reduced by $4,142.95! You can also search by category (like baby products, digital cameras, electronics, etc.) to find the most discounted items.

Amazing discounts can also be found on Amazon’s Gold Box Deals.

These include deals on items from around the site, and lightning sales, which are heavily discounted deals that expire after just an hour or two.

Find good and cheap reads by searching “Kindle Books Under $2.”

This will show you a list of free apps that curate regularly updated lists of the best free Kindle books. Visit Pixel of Ink, a website that compiles quality books that can be downloaded for free (or at a heavy discounted).

You don’t really need a Kindle to read a Kindle book.

Surprise, surprise, Amazon has Kindle reading apps for Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7, and BlackBerry.

Discover bigger discounts on refurbished and open-box items (including cell phones, computers, and Kindles) on Amazon Warehouse.

According to Amazon these discounted items “are in good condition but do not meet Amazon’s rigorous standards as ‘new.’” They are however covered by Amazon’s standard 30-day return policy, though, so if your item doesn’t work you can send it back.

If the price drops on an item you bought within seven days of purchase, you can get a refund.

This is an unpublished policy, but use it when necessary!

Amazon isn't the only big place to shop - try Google.com/Shopping

You might not be familiar with it, but check it out and you'll be surprised at some of the amazing deals they have.