We’ve all been there, feeling the anticipation of ripping open the birthday wrapping only to find a questionable mug or a slightly too small jumper.

As the saying goes, ‘one person’s trash is another man’s treasure’, so before you delegate unwanted gifts to the cellar (only bringing them back out again when the gift-giver visits), it might pay to list it on the New Zealand-developed app, Trade Me, for buying and selling.

You’ll be surprised at all the weird and truly wonderful things available on Trade Me. With anything from a nearly-new jet ski to cheese-making equipment, this app is an Aladdin’s cave of pre-loved gems waiting to be snapped-up by savvy local buyers.

To get started, simply register for an account and with a few taps and a quick image upload from your iPhone or iPad, your listing will be live. The app also helps coordinate communication regarding sales and pick-ups.

While you’re there, check out Trade Me’s Marketplace button where you can peruse shopping categories from Health & Beauty to Toys & Models and everything (and we mean everything) in between. With 5 million+ listings live and easily searchable, you’re bound to pick up a bargain. You can also refine the listings by location, condition and payment types.

If you’re looking for something very specific, the Shop with Camera function is particularly handy. Tap on the camera icon within the search bar and upload a photo of the item you're after, and the app will serve up similar items.

But Trade Me isn’t just for bargain hunters and smart salespeople. It also allows you to look for a new job, find a house to rent and hire a tradie to finish the renovations you’ve been putting off a little too long.

So here’s to recycling, making some extra cash and delivering Auntie’s gifts to a loving new home. Win, win, win!