One third of Kiwi shoppers are planning to avoid queues and find gifts more easily this Christmas by using their smartphones to purchase items.

In the lead up to Christmas, 35 per cent of Kiwis are taking up the mobile shopping option, reported research commissioned by SellShed that investigated people’s attitudes to Christmas gift giving and shopping.

The majority of shoppers are also feeling confident that their Christmas shopping will be wrapped up early, with 75 per cent of Kiwis believing their shopping will be completed prior to Christmas Eve.

There has been a steady increase in the use of the SellShed mobile shopping platform, Peter Howell, SellShed CEO, said.

The trade of unwanted Christmas presents is also set to hike following Christmas, with 56 per cent of Kiwis thinking about putting a present up for sale if it was valuable.

“People are enjoying the convenience of shopping online or on a smartphone app, and avoiding the crowds and long waits that are often associated with the traditional Christmas shopping period.”

The research also found that the option of receiving money for unwanted gifts is more popular with younger age groups, with 67 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 considering it an option, compared with just 41 per cent of over 65 year olds.