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Americans Embrace Secondhand Shopping for the Holidays

As consumers face rising inflation and economic uncertainty, a surprising trend has emerged this holiday season: 81% of Americans are planning to allocate part of their gift budgets towards secondhand items. According to the latest report from OfferUp, the mobile marketplace that connects local buyers and sellers, this shift not only reflects financial prudence but also a growing appreciation for the uniqueness of secondhand gifts.

The New Normal for Holiday Shopping

With holiday shopping costs expected to soar, 93% of shoppers are concerned about prices this year. A substantial 70% are actively seeking deals and trying to maximize their budgets. Among these new trends, nearly half of the younger generation, or Gen Z, report intentions to sell personal items to cover gift expenses, with an overwhelming 95% expressing openness to purchasing secondhand if it translates to savings.

Local shopping is becoming increasingly popular as well; 89% of respondents stated they would prefer to buy from local secondhand sellers to dodge shipping delays and fees. This trend highlights not only the practicality of shopping local but also the desire for gifts that feel personal and meaningful.

Why Secondhand is Gaining Steam

Shoppers indicate several compelling reasons for their movement towards secondhand purchases:

• - Affordability: A staggering 84% of respondents would buy used items rather than new if the price difference is significant. This trend is even more pronounced among Gen Z shoppers.
• - Unique Finds: Local shopping offers access to unique, one-of-a-kind items, with 61% of respondents citing this as a top reason for preferring local secondhand purchases.
• - Support for Local: Nearly 38% of shoppers want to support local sellers and artisans, cultivating a sense of community.
• - Avoiding Shipping Delays: With shipping stress affecting 85% of consumers, many are turning to local options to ensure timely gift delivery, further pushing the appeal of secondhand shopping.

Through these channels, Americans are not only saving money; they are also curating gifts that carry stories and memories. Vintage and collectible items are poised to be the most sought-after secondhand gifts this season, with clothing and accessories, as well as toys, following closely behind.

A Shift in Attitudes Toward Gifting

More than two-thirds of Americans (67%) are comfortable receiving secondhand gifts in good condition—making secondhand items more acceptable than regifted items (58%) or duplicates (40%). This acceptance marks a cultural shift, reaffirming that thoughtful, unique gifts are valued over the pursuit of brand-new items.

While secondhand gifting rises, additional trends emerge beyond mere presents: seasonal decor shopping is shifting as well. 36% of consumers are interested in purchasing secondhand or vintage holiday decorations, while 11% are open to borrowing or swapping decor with friends and family. This trend not only supports sustainability but also promotes community connections.

The Sustainability Factor

Gen Z appears to lead the charge in sustainable practices, with nearly half selecting secondhand decor to lower their environmental footprint. As consumers become more eco-conscious, the preference for reducing waste and promoting sustainability through secondhand shopping will continue to grow.

With the overall secondhand market projected to reach $306.5 billion by 2030, it's clear that this trend is not merely a seasonal spike but a persistent shift in how consumers approach spending. The current findings from OfferUp's 2025 Recommerce Report illustrate the significant role that secondhand shopping is set to play in the holidays and beyond, redefining consumer behavior in the face of economic challenges.

To explore the OfferUp marketplace or learn more about the trends shaping this holiday season, visit OfferUp's website.