The total number of online purchases made this festive period has considerably increased from last year, thanks largely to sales from Apple iPods, figures suggest.

Numbers published by ComScore Networks reveal this year’s total online sales peaked at about £8 billion, up 28 per cent on last year’s figures.

Consumer electronics, computers, and apparel are being accredited for the surge in online transactions with the most popular gift overall officially unveiled as the Apple iPod.

Indeed, such was the demand for the digital music player that numerous online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and independent sites such as iPodWorld, sold their stock well in advance of the festive period.

The PlayStation 2 had expected to take the consumer top spot but sales of iPods eclipsed those of Sony’s game console.

A significant sum reportedly came in from sales of iTunes gift cards which proved to be the most popular item for many online retailers.