PayPal is calling on shoppers to go mobile this Christmas after new research found Australians will spend significantly more time researching and shopping for Christmas than celebrating the actual event. 

According to PayPal, Australians expect to spend on average 24 hours researching and buying gifts, with one in five looking to buy more than 20 presents this Christmas.  In total, Aussies expect to spend around 46 hours getting ready for Christmas, five times more hours than is actually spent celebrating (eight hours on average).

Adrian Christie, PayPal Australia spokesperson, says shoppers should be using idle moments to prepare for Christmas.

“The smartphone has enabled Australians to access a 24 hour shopping centre in the palm of their hand. Today, you can order your Christmas turkey, buy your decorations, and have all your Christmas presents delivered to your doorstep – all with a few easy clicks during those ‘nothing times’ when you’re waiting for your bus or sitting idly on the train,” Christie said.

“Instead, almost three quarters of Aussies are choosing the check and update Facebook during these idle moments, when we have the opportunity to use this ‘nothing time’ productively and get to Christmas Day with less stress and more celebration,” Christie said.

But some Australians are recognising the opportunity to use their smartphone to get their Christmas sorted. While only 35 per cent of Aussie smartphone users say they have browsed shopping sites and apps in their idle moments, more Australians say they will use their phone this year to shop online, with one in five intending to use their smartphone more this year to search for and buy Christmas presents. 

According to PayPal the most popular times for Aussies to use a smartphone to shop online is when eating, 28 per cent; on the toilet, 19 per cent; and commuting to work, 17 per cent.