Secondhand is helping shoppers navigate a more expensive holiday season

Holiday budgets remain under pressure this year, with 93% of Americans saying they're concerned that rising prices will impact their holiday shopping. To manage costs, most shoppers are planning on searching for discounts (70%), waiting for sales or promotions (63%), or even buying fewer gifts (48%).

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Secondhand has also become one of the most effective ways to stretch holiday budgets — and shoppers are increasingly turning to both online resale and local secondhand options to do so. Eighty-four percent of shoppers say they would buy an item on a resale platform instead of new if they could find the same product for less, a figure that climbs to nearly 95% among Gen Z. 

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At the local level, shoppers say secondhand offers even more value. The top reasons they would buy from a local secondhand seller this holiday season include finding unique or one-of-a-kind items (61%), getting lower prices (58%), supporting local sellers (38%), and avoiding shipping delays (37%). Resale is also becoming a key income source this holiday, with 1 in 3 (32%) Americans - and nearly half (48%) of Gen Z - planning to sell items to help cover the cost of holiday gifts or travel. 

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Shoppers want gifts that feel more unique and personal

As shoppers reassess what they buy, they are increasingly seeking gifts that feel thoughtful and distinctive. Vintage and collectible items lead all secondhand categories this year, with 40% of shoppers naming them as the items they’re most likely to buy secondhand this holiday season. Clothing and accessories (37%) and toys and kids items (29%) follow closely behind.

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Shoppers are also increasingly comfortable receiving secondhand gifts. Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say they are happy receiving a secondhand item in good or excellent condition, making it more acceptable than receiving a regifted item (58%) or a dupe (40%). 

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Shipping stress is changing where people shop

While people are embracing secondhand for its value and uniqueness, shipping stress remains a major practical motivator. Eighty-five percent of shoppers feel stressed about holiday shipping, and 74% have had a gift arrive late or not at all.

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These frustrations are pushing shoppers toward more reliable, local alternatives. Almost 9 in 10 Americans (89%) would buy from a local secondhand seller to avoid delays and fees. Faster pickup, lower costs, and more control over the transaction are motivating shoppers to look for great gifts within their own communities.

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Holiday decor is getting a second life

Secondhand trends extend beyond gifting. More than one-third (36%) plan to buy secondhand or vintage holiday decor, and 11% of people (and 16% of Gen Z) plan to borrow or swap decor with friends or family.

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Those who shop for secondhand decor say they do so to save money (74%), find unique or one-of-a-kind pieces (61%), or reduce waste (43%). Gen Z, in particular, is driven by sustainability, with nearly half (49%) saying they choose secondhand decor to reduce their environmental impact.

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These holiday findings reflect the broader rise of recommerce, with the U.S. secondhand market projected to reach $306.5 billion by 2030, according to OfferUp’s 2025 Recommerce Report.

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View the complete 2025 OfferUp Recommerce Report: Holiday Special Release page here. 

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Browse the OfferUp marketplace at https://offerup.com/. For more information on OfferUp, please visit our company page here.

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