Secondhand Holiday Shopping Gains Popularity

More than half of U.S. shoppers are now using used goods to stretch their holiday gift budgets further.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Spending

Bold vector editorial illustration of a gift-wrapped vintage wooden toy chest nestled among festive greenery and fabric, representing budget-conscious holiday shopping. — As U.S. households navigate inflationary pressure, over 60 percent of adults now plan to incorporate secondhand items into their holiday shopping budgets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

As U.S. households navigate rising costs, 62 percent of adults now plan to incorporate secondhand items into their holiday shopping. Many are also turning to resale platforms to sell their own belongings to help cover the costs of the festive season.

Why it matters

With 42 percent of consumers expecting to spend more this year, shopping for used goods has become a primary strategy to manage gift budgets amid persistent inflation and high energy costs. Families are increasingly using resale proceeds to fund holiday spending as the number of social occasions is projected to climb.

A recent survey of 2,123 U.S. adults found that 62 percent intend to shop secondhand this season, with those buyers dedicating 37 percent of their gift budget to used items. Over half of respondents are selling their own goods to offset holiday costs.

The players

ThredUp

An online resale marketplace that offers consumers platforms to buy secondhand goods or sell used clothing.

The details

To manage seasonal budget constraints, households are balancing spending with income generation by selling used items on platforms like ThredUp. The company uses seasonal bags and its Direct Listing platform to help sellers convert clothing and goods into liquidity when demand peaks. This strategy allows families to navigate the projected 2.2-fold increase in social obligations during the holiday months.

The survey of 2,123 U.S. adults was conducted between September 4 and September 18, 2026.
The primary holiday shopping period runs from November 1 through December 24.

Money Landscape

This year's reliance on resale follows the 2026 holiday shopping resale trend, marking a shift where secondhand goods become a central feature of seasonal gift-giving. It illustrates how inflationary pressure is reshaping the traditional holiday spending cycle for U.S. households.

If you are struggling to keep up with holiday costs, consider auditing your closet for high-demand items that could be sold to fund gifts for others. Before listing items or buying used, discuss your overall holiday budget and financial priorities with a qualified tax or financial professional.

The takeaway

Secondhand shopping has moved into the mainstream as a necessary strategy for funding holiday festivities. Review your potential gift list for items that could be purchased used, and track your holiday-related income from sales to ensure it offsets your current and future spending needs.