With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about who’s on your Christmas list. As we all well know, Christmas shopping can be a real stress—even for the most dedicated shoppers. Thanks to the internet, the need to venture into the crowded malls and wrestle your way between aggressive shoppers is no longer a must as online shopping, once seen as a passing trend, is here to stay.

In the 2004 Christmas season, the UK recorded highest yet volume of online shopping as traffic increased 23 percent from December 2003. In the US, internet visits to online retailers during the Christmas season increased 25.6 percent versus the same period in 2003.

Analysts are expecting a similar rise this Christmas season in Australia. AC Nielson, the world’s leading market research company, suggests that 627 million people are shopping online worldwide and Australia is one of the world’s biggest online purchasers.

The October 2005 survey found that 87 percent of Australian internet users have made purchases over the net, compared to a global average of 77 percent. Fifty three percent of Australians said they made their latest purchase less than a month ago. On average, Australians make five online purchases per month.

So why are we shopping online more than ever before?

First, more people have access to the net than ever before. “Our ongoing e-commerce research clearly demonstrates an upward trend in Australian and global online shopping,” said Richard Sandlant, Director, Customised Research, AC Nielson Australia. “In fact we’ve noticed higher than usual growth in activity in Australia within the past six months, mostly due to the increasing number of consumers with access to broadband and wireless services from home.”

Next, shopping online is seen as more secure than ever. With credit cards as the preferred method of online payment, shoppers are less weary of giving out their details. As they begin shopping without incident they spread the word and more people abandon their security fears.

“The issue of online payments is pertinent given the level of security risks and consumer concerns around internet shopping. However, we have noticed that although high, consumers’ level of concern over security has been in decline recent months, which could have also added to the increased level of activity observed,” said Sandlant.

Finally, convenience! Why bother going out to the shops when you can do it from home?

With increased internet saturation and more faith in security, the sheer variety and depth of online retail offerings now present you with a plethora of opportunity to avoid the hassle of the usual Christmas shopping expedition and opt instead for shopping from behind your home computer.

Here are a couple ideas for gifts and ways to reduce the stress of fighting through the crowds running last minute Christmas errands.

• Major Retailers Retailers such as David Jones, Harvey Norman, Angus & Robertson and Dymocks all have online storefronts allowing you to browse and shop online.

• dStore (www.dstore.com.au) is an online department store that sells a little bit of everything ranging from music to perfumes to toys, flowers and even jewellery. Gift Vouchers are also available if you just can’t decide what to get that special someone.

• GraysOnline (www.graysonline.com.au) is a division of Grays Group—one of the largest auctioneering and asset management companies in the Asia Pacific region. GraysOnline Auctions offer an enormous range of consumer and industrial goods at bargain prices.

• Wotif.com (www.wotif.com.au) specialises in last-minute accomodation deals. Gift Vouchers can be purchased online and you can send the Voucher immediately to your loved ones inbox. Perfect for a Christmas getaway!

• iTunes (www.apple.com.au/itunes) After months of speculation, iTunes has finally launched in Australia. Boasting more than one million tracks, iTunes allows you to listen to a 30 second sample of any song. Single songs are priced at $1.69, music videos $3.39 and entire albums at $16.99. Since iPods make up more than 68 percent of the digital music players in Australia, there’s a definite chance someone on your Christmas list has or is getting one. With Gift Cards, you can buy credit at the iTunes store and give it away.

• Woolworths (www.homeshop.com.au) Like an online version of your local Woolworths store, but unlike actually going in, you have the luxury of ordering what you want and having it delivered straight to your front door. There is a catch though—a $15.90 delivery fee for most areas.

While the Christmas rush will surely continue on the streets and in the malls this year, there might just be a little more space and a little less stress thanks to secure online shopping! Enjoy!