Top-end bags going to the cats and dogs

Those frantically searching for a last-minute Christmas present can bid on a Louis Vuitton handbag with no reserve - with all proceeds going to charity.

Aucklander Victoria Silwood, 47, has put her luxury-handbags collection up for sale on Trade Me to raise money for animal welfare shelters.

The four bags - two of which are limited editions - have been "sitting in my cupboard", Mrs Silwood said.

"They were gifts to me from a very good friend in Brisbane ... she's a good client of Louis Vuitton.

"Over the years she's given me a few bags, and I've just been hanging on to them."

After the recent death of Lilly, the beloved Tibetan spaniel she and her husband owned, she decided there was a better use for them.

"Our dog passed away in October. She was a big part of our lives and I wanted to do something in her memory. But I particularly want to do something for those people who are at the coal face, work in their homes and give their lives over to rescuing animals."

All proceeds of the auctions will be split between the Animal Sanctuary in Matakana and Animal Re-homing in Browns Bay.

Mrs Silwood said she had no idea how much the bags might be worth, and only found out recently that two were limited edition. If more than $2000 was raised she would be happy, she said.

With Christmas so close, she hoped the auction would give someone the excuse to splurge on a - probably cut-price - Louis Vuitton.

"Because the money is going to charity, people may think about that aspect, as well as the fact that it's an item they'd like to own."