Kiwi kids are softening up Santa Claus before Christmas.

Thousands of children have already sent their Christmas requests to Santa via New Zealand Post - and those who have not still have until Friday to do so. About 140,000 messages were received last year.

NZ Post has revealed a selection which include some gems.

"On the whole I have been good this year, just the odd bad judgement call like rolling in the mud pool three days in a row at school," said one.

"Dear Santa I am a good boy. I always am. It's not true what you hear," said another.

"I have been a good girl most of the time. But sometimes I forget. But then I remember," one girl wrote in her letter.

One kid finished with a postscript: "P.S. I have been really naughty this year so I'd understand if you didn't get me anything, but I still love you, Santa, and I think that's more than a lot of kids these days."

Requests for presents range from modest to demanding.

"You can give me anything you want to except used chewing gum."

"Please may i have a present. I would like a blue one."

"Im a boy and would like boy presents because im a boy."

"This year can I please have a real tiger and a real dog. I promise I will look after the tiger and won't let it eat my cats."

"Can I please have some chocolate that comes back when you eat it all."

"I would like to turn into a mermaid."

One, after writing a long list of expensive wishes, said: "Its a lot but I figure your quite rich as you have to buy presents for every single person in the world. So maybe you can give me some money as well, if you don't mind."

One had fears for a shrinking waistline. "I will leave you a treat Santa as I think you are getting too skinny. Don't tell Mrs Claus."

Another suggested moderation. "Please sneek into my house and try not to wake me and don't get too drunk on the beers, my Dad said I can only give you one of his."

One request was a sign of the times. "Dear Santa, I love you. Can you please make me dance like the Gangnam guy, he is cool."

Letters can be sent electronically using the NZ Post website, or posted to Santa Claus, c/o Santa's Workshop, North Pole 0001.

All messages need to have a full name and mailing address on them.