U.S. Adults Increasingly Turn to Secondhand Holiday Gifts

A majority of consumers plan to buy or sell used items to manage holiday spending this season.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Spending

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a neatly folded sweater in a gift box, representing the trend of secondhand holiday gifting. — Approximately 62 percent of U.S. adults plan to purchase secondhand items for holiday gifting this year to offset rising living costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to buy secondhand items as gifts this holiday season?

Approximately 62 percent of U.S. adults intend to shop for secondhand items this holiday season, with shoppers planning to allocate 37 percent of their gift budgets to previously owned goods. Many are selling their own belongings to help cover expenses amid higher energy costs and inflationary pressures.

Why it matters

Rising costs of living and a significant increase in projected social obligations are driving consumers toward more budget-conscious and unique shopping alternatives. By selling used items, a large portion of the population is finding new ways to fund their festive spending.

A survey of 2,123 U.S. adults shows that 62 percent plan to shop secondhand, with 53 percent selling personal items to fund holiday budgets. Respondents expect 2.2 times as many social occasions during the November and December holiday period compared to other times.

The players

ThredUp

ThredUp is a prominent online consignment and thrift store that facilitates the buying and selling of secondhand clothing and accessories.

The details

ThredUp is facilitating this shift through its peer-to-peer Direct Listing platform and seasonal bag programs designed to align inventory supply with peak demand. Consumers increasingly prioritize these unique secondhand finds over new, mass-produced merchandise, signaling a shift in traditional holiday gifting preferences.

September 4-18, 2026: A survey of 2,123 U.S. adults was conducted regarding holiday plans.
November 1 - December 24: This timeframe represents the primary holiday shopping period.

Market Landscape

This move toward secondhand purchasing reflects a broader shift toward the circular economy in the retail sector. By embracing resale, consumers are positioning themselves to mitigate inflationary pressures while forcing retailers to compete with an expanding peer-to-peer market.

Shoppers can potentially lower their holiday expenses by selling unused items or purchasing secondhand gifts for friends and family. However, consumers should be prepared for varying inventory availability as more shoppers adopt these budget-conscious practices.

The takeaway

Consumers are finding that selling unused items can be a practical way to manage increased holiday costs without sacrificing gift volume. Incorporating secondhand items into your shopping strategy can provide a more budget-friendly approach to navigating the busy holiday social calendar.