Archive · 24 Dec 2025
More Shoppers Opt for Secondhand Gifts Amid Inflation
This holiday season, many people are buying used gifts instead of new ones.
This is because prices for new things have gone up, and people want to save money.
Stores that sell used items, like ThredUp and Goodwill, are seeing more customers.
Some people are worried about how their friends and family will feel about getting used gifts, but others are happy to find good deals.
Shops are trying to make secondhand shopping feel more like regular shopping to make people feel better about buying used items.
More consumers are buying secondhand gifts this holiday season due to inflation and financial pressures.
82% of U.S. shoppers surveyed by eBay are more likely to purchase secondhand gifts this year compared to last year.
Nearly half of the consumers surveyed by the National Retail Federation may buy used items to save money.
Retailers like ThredUp, Savers Value Village, and Goodwill are seeing increased sales of secondhand items.
Shoppers are finding significant savings, with items that cost $40 new often available for $5 used.
- Who
- Consumers, especially those affected by inflation and financial pressures
- What
- Increased purchase of secondhand gifts during the holiday season
- When
- This holiday season, with notable changes from previous years
- Where
- Across the United States, in stores like ThredUp, Savers Value Village, and Goodwill
- Why
- To save money due to inflation and higher prices on new items
- Surveyed Shoppers (eBay)
- 82% more likely to buy secondhand gifts this year
- Surveyed Consumers (NRF)
- Nearly 50% may buy used to save money
- Savers Value Village Sales Increase
- 10.5% in three months ending Sept. 27
- Example Gift Prices
- $40 new items for $5 used
- Notable Retailers
- ThredUp, Savers Value Village, Goodwill