Big-screen televisions have never been more affordable. There are many deals to be found on 360s and PlayStation 3s. While my extended family may not know the "Roku" name, many are asking for a "Netflix box" for Christmas. This is the time of year when people who don't know much about electronics, cabling, or displays spend a whole lot of money electronics, cabling, and displays.

Here's a simple way to be a hero: buy a bunch of HDMI cables.

Retail displays of HDMI cables are going up, and the sales staff of electronics stores are trained to push them as add-ons. Why not? Stores sell them for $20 on up, and it's not rare to see "premium" HDMI cables go for $80 or more in the stores. Some manufacturers are getting better about including cables, but many are not, so you can save a ton of money by ordering a bunch of $5 or less cables online.

Every time I needed a cable I have ordered from monoprice.com. The prices are low, the shipping is solid, and the cables have always been good. I've never had a reason to go anyplace else. If you know of another good source of cheap cables online, share it in the comments.

Spending a few bucks on a couple of extra cables to keep in your car is an easy way to score points with your family. When they unwrap that new video game system, you're ready to get them hooked up without having to pay the incredible retail markup. If they already paid too much for the cable, give them one of yours and offer to return the other one. Inexpensive HDMI connections are a right, not a privilege, and this is a great way to spread some holiday cheer.

Educate your family and friends, and join us in the fight against overpriced cabling.