The online auction house, Trade Me, says there was a 25% increase on last year in the number of people using its service in the lead-up to Christmas.
Communications manager Paul Ford says Trade Me's top 10 list of items searched-for indicates New Zealanders appear to have gone back to basics.
Lego, tents, trampolines and bikes were very popular, but the number one item was puppies.
Activity is expected to surge on Saturday, with auctions of unwanted Christmas presents.
