Google Checkout has added some big-name merchants to its list of retailers accepting the checkout service. The company said Toys 'R Us, Babies 'R Us, Golfsmith, Linens 'n Things, PETCO, J&R Music and Computer World have added Google Checkout to their sites.

Google also said donations to eight international charities can be made with a Google Checkout login, and Google will add $10 to every user's first donation of $30 or more.

Google Checkout launched a new site on Monday, http://checkout.google.com/holiday. The site lists popular gift items from Google Checkout merchants and provides information about the company's holiday promotions, including incentives of $10 or more for holiday purchases. Analyst Bob Peck of Bear Stearns wrote in a research note on Monday that feedback he has received indicates Google's offer is a big hit. "We have been receiving good feedback about Checkout over the last few weeks and think it is gaining traction. This could have implications for off-eBay PayPal further down the line."

http://checkout.google.com/holiday