Check it Out: Why eBay is the Winner of the 2013 Holiday Shopping Season

"We've combined the fun of the British ‘panto’ with the ability to nail your Christmas gift shopping," said Sarah Calcott, senior marketing director at eBay, in a company press release. "Our goal is to inspire Brits to make more thoughtful gift purchases this Christmas."

The idea of a shoppable pantomime was inspired by an eBay-sponsored poll that showed that nearly 60 percent of British consumers browse for Christmas gifts for hours without finding anything "appropriate," and 48 percent ask family and friends directly what they want.