One in three Australians won't battle the Christmas crowds this year as more turn to high-speed cyber shopping.
Broadband connections are making it easier for people to shop with a click of the mouse and is taking the pain out of the push and shove of the never-ending Christmas shopping queue.
And while it may not surprise some, according to Nielsen Online, women are leading the online shopping pack.
Their latest data reveals that nine in every 10 internet users have made a purchase online, while those using the internet has shot up from 9.1 to 10.5 million over the past year.
An AAPT survey of 1,000 households found that 13 per cent of households had already shopped online for Christmas presents, and a further third of those surveyed were intending to do so in the next few weeks.
"Fast broadband access, high-quality products on shipping sites and secure payment gateways has made the internet an excellent choice for people who are time-poor," AAPT spokeswoman Tahn Shannon said.
Consumer watchdog Choice warns if the site is not a major player in the retail sector then it is vital to research the business before handing over credit card details.
"Online, it's growing, it's great, some people particularly like it," media spokesperson Christopher Zinn told AAP.
"Because you can't actually touch it and smell it and put it on and be sure where the shop is or who the people are, it's worth doing a few extra checks."
The cyber craze is building in momentum so much that outlets meeting their online customers' needs are called "eTailers".
One eTailer, DealsDirect.com.au, reports a 30 per cent rise in its online shipping orders, which have increased from 7,000 to 10,000.
Those embracing the technology are more likely to be aged 25-44, work full time and have young children.
Computer-savvy youngsters are also prolific users.
