As holiday budgets tighten and consumer preferences evolve, a growing majority of Americans plan to give secondhand gifts this season — a trend gaining steam across age groups and driven by value, sustainability, and a desire for unique presents.
According to an eBay poll conducted for its 2025 Recommerce Report, 82% of U.S. respondents say they’re more likely to buy a secondhand gift this year than last.
This shift reflects broader changes in holiday shopping behavior. Surveys from resale platforms find that more than two‑thirds of Americans (67%) are happy to receive secondhand gifts in good or excellent condition, a higher acceptance rate than for regifted items or inexpensive “dupes.”
Other data reveal that openness to gifting used items has climbed steadily: in 2025, 45% of holiday shoppers said they were somewhat or very likely to purchase resale gifts, up from 32% in 2022.
Several forces are fueling this trend. Rising prices and inflation continue to squeeze holiday budgets, prompting shoppers to find creative ways to stretch dollars without sacrificing thoughtful giving. OfferUp’s 2025 Recommerce Report shows that 81% of Americans plan to spend at least part of their gift budget on secondhand items, with 27% saying they might allocate up to half of their total holiday spending to pre‑owned goods.
Beyond savings, many consumers, especially younger generations, value the uniqueness and meaning of secondhand items. Vintage finds, collectibles, and refurbished goods often carry more personal flair than mass‑produced new products — an appealing quality during a season of gift‑giving.
For retailers and brands, this surge underscores the growing importance of recommerce channels and the need to integrate resale offerings, curated used inventories, or partnerships with resale platforms to meet changing consumer expectations.
