Christmas presents Kiwis want ... and gifts we should avoid

Kiwi Christmas shoppers typically spend between $25 and $50 per gift and splash out the most on their kids, a new survey suggests.

The research from Trade Me found that half of the 550 people surveyed claimed to get their shopping done in October or earlier.

While 12 per cent get their shopping done in the week before the holidays, 1 per cent leave the it to the eleventh hour and get their gifts on Christmas Eve.

Thirty-seven per cent of those in the survey spent the most on their kids and although vouchers aren't the most creative of gifts, half of the respondents were happy to receive them in their Christmas stocking.

"More than 40 per cent of Kiwis told us they find Christmas gift shopping stressful," said Trade Me's Millie Silverster.

"We all know it's an expensive time of year too. Given [nearly] 40 per cent of us plan on spending between $25 and $50 on each present that adds up quick."

"L.O.L Surprise! Dolls are already becoming highly sought after toys on Trade Me as local and international retailers have already begun selling out. We also see outdoor furniture, BBQs and mountain bikes go mad at this time of year as Kiwis prepare to get out and about this summer."

LOL Surprise! Dolls and Hatchimals are a hot selling toy this year. Photo / Supplied

The top 10 searches on Trade Me for Christmas gifts were outdoor furniture, barbecues, trampolines, L.O.L Surprise Dolls, mountain bikes, Hatchimals, Feisty Pets, Lego, swimming pools and gazebos.

"On the other hand our respondents said it's best to steer clear of soap, weird food and books on weight loss or dieting.

"These are the types of unwanted gifts we expect to see pop up on Trade Me on Boxing Day and I'm sure we will see some amazing listings again this year."

Meanwhile, Paymark - which process 75 per cent of electronic transactions in New Zealand - said early Christmas spending surged this year on the back of Black Friday sales.

Spending through Paymark totalled $5.19 billion in November, up 6.2 per cent on the same month the year before.

While retailers in Auckland and Northland experienced strong a Black Friday, the spending growth in the region remained below the national average throughout November.

The underlying growth rate in Auckland and Northland was 3.3 per cent. Spending in West Coast and Marlborough were up 17.7 per cent and 17.5 per cent.