By Aimee Chanthadavong

More than one million people are expected to sell their unwanted presents online post-Christmas to avoid embarrassment and long queues involved in returning Christmas gifts, according to eBay.

eBay research indicates that 54 per cent of people received at least one unwanted gift, which is estimated to be 19 million unused presents nationwide.

Speaking to Retailbiz, Daniel Feiler, eBay spokesperson, said as more Australians shop online out of convenience, they want to be able to the same when they are selling unwanted gifts.

“During the Boxing Day sales it can get really crowded, which is what most people want to avoid when you get a refund so they tend sell their things online. In the meantime, there’s a group of a people who are thinking about shopping online because they too also want to avoid the crowds.”

The eBay research also revealed that more women received unwanted gifts than men and is therefore more likely to sell their gifts online, with nearly two thirds finding the idea appealing.

“Zumba DVDs and lingerie are the most sold items so far and I suspect if you’re a woman receiving those as presents it can bit either a hit or miss,” Feiler said.

Further, among those who have sold unwanted gifts online, 48 per cent used the money to pay bills, 40 per cent bought something else they preferred and 38 per cent saved the money.