Secondhand Gifts Surge as Holiday Shoppers Look for Style Without Overspending

Image: Thrift Store Source: www.freepik

With Christmas approaching and prices climbing, many shoppers are rethinking how they give gifts. This year, secondhand presents — once seen as unconventional — are gaining real traction under the tree. The resale market has become a holiday trend, offering stylish, affordable options for people who want to celebrate without stretching their budgets.

High inflation, falling consumer confidence and tighter household finances are reshaping the holiday shopping season. In the United States, the secondhand market is booming as more people choose thrift stores, donation‑based shops and online resale platforms for their Christmas lists.

A new report from eBay shows that secondhand purchases jumped from 35% of consumers in 2025 to 47% this year. Another holiday survey from ThredUP found that 62% of respondents plan to buy at least one secondhand gift this Christmas.

Experts say the shift isn’t just about saving money — it’s also about culture. Thrifting has become a social trend, especially online, where people proudly share their unique finds. Marketing professor Shreyans Goenka of Virginia Tech explains that secondhand shopping has become a form of self‑expression, with shoppers showing off the effort it took to discover something special.

James Reinhart, co‑founder and CEO of ThredUP, recommends choosing reputable resale stores that authenticate products and offer returns. He says secondhand gifts are increasingly popular because they’re distinctive, fun and often impossible to find elsewhere. A good present, he adds, doesn’t have to be new — it just has to be chosen with care