Secondhand gifting is skyrocketing this holiday season, with 68 percent of U.S. shoppers and more than ten percent of U.K. gift budgets focused on preloved items.
This holiday season, the spirit of gifting is taking a sustainable turn. Reports from resale platforms OfferUp and Vinted show that shoppers are embracing pre-owned items for their affordability, uniqueness, and sustainability. With secondhand gift purchases set to exceed £2 billion in the U.K. and an estimated 68 percent of U.S. shoppers planning to incorporate preloved items into their holiday budgets, secondhand is reshaping how we give and receive.
Vinted’s “Recommerce 2024” report reveals that U.K. consumers will spend more than £20.5 billion on gifts this year, with more than ten percent earmarked for secondhand items. Similarly, OfferUp’s “2024 Recommerce Report: Holiday Special” highlights that 68 percent of U.S. shoppers, including 83 percent of Gen Z, are prioritizing secondhand gifts for this holiday season. This trend reflects not only a practical response to rising living costs but also a desire to give unique, meaningful presents.
“The stigma around secondhand gifting is rapidly diminishing,” Todd Dunlap, CEO of OfferUp, said in a statement. “Consumers are recognizing the unique value, quality, and affordability that secondhand gifts provide, especially in light of rising living costs.”
This embrace of preloved items marks a cultural shift: 74 percent of shoppers believe secondhand gifting has become more socially accepted over the past year, a seven percent increase from 2023. The change in attitudes is evident, with 83 percent of people saying they are comfortable receiving secondhand gifts, according to OfferUp’s report.
OfferUp’s data indicates that 52 percent of shoppers choose pre-owned items to find unique presents tailored to the recipient’s tastes. Another 43 percent of consumers opt for secondhand to access vintage, rare, or collectible items unavailable in traditional retail.
Luxury items, electronics, and books dominate the secondhand gifting market, with 55 percent of U.S. shoppers targeting electronics and 62 percent of U.K. consumers favoring pre-owned designer brands. For many, secondhand presents offer a combination of high quality and value, making them an attractive alternative to new retail goods.
“The research shows clearly that secondhand is growing in popularity as a way to gift, and this is very encouraging,” said Adam Jay, CEO of Vinted Marketplace. “Using a secondhand platform like Vinted is a fun and accessible way to find unique gifts while making a better choice for the planet, your wardrobe, and your wallet.”
Parents and younger generations are at the forefront of the secondhand revolution. OfferUp reports that 77 percent of parents plan to spend part of their holiday budgets on preloved gifts. For Gen Z, who make up 83 percent of secondhand shoppers, the trend extends beyond affordability. This demographic values the sustainability and individuality of secondhand gifting, with many seeking items that stand out from mass-produced goods. Vinted’s findings also show that 43 percent of shoppers aged 25-34 plan to increase their secondhand purchases over the next five years.
Environmental concerns are another factor driving the rise of secondhand gifting. By choosing preloved items, shoppers are reducing waste and minimizing their carbon footprint, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable practices. OfferUp’s report highlights that this shift is poised to continue into 2025 and beyond as accessibility to resale platforms expands.
Over the next five years, 35 percent of consumers anticipate increasing their secondhand shopping. Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics attributes this trend to a confluence of factors. “The cost-of-living crisis, environmental concerns, and the increase in accessibility of secondhand items are all contributing to second-hand’s growth, and consumers are likely to continue embracing this space into 2025,” he said. “With secondhand shopping continuing to increase in popularity, we expect to see further growth in sales across multiple categories as consumers continue to reap the benefits.”
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