More people ok with buying, receiving pre-owned gifts this holiday season
More than two-thirds of holiday shoppers plan to buy pre-owned items this year as the stigma around secondhand goods continues to decrease.
That’s according to the 2024 OfferUp Recommerce Report: Holiday Special Release, which found that 68% of shoppers are setting aside part of their holiday budget this year specifically for pre-owned items. Among Gen Z, this figure rises to 83%. More than three-quarters of parents (77%) are planning to buy pre-owned items gifts this holiday season.
A wide majority (74%) of respondents feel secondhand gifting is more accepted this year, which is a 7% rise from 2023, while 83% of shoppers are comfortable receiving secondhand gifts and view them as "thoughtful and unique.” This season, popular secondhand holiday gift choices include electronics (55%), sporting goods (47%) and furniture (42%).
OfferUp found that more than six-in-10 (63%) shoppers say rising living costs have made them more inclined toward secondhand holiday gifts. Other key motivators include wanting to find unique items that truly reflect the recipient's interests (52%), getting great deals and staying within their budget (52%) and giving vintage, rare or collectible items unavailable in traditional retail stores (43%).
[READ MORE: Report: Resale market continues to grow as stigma decreases]
For many shoppers, pre-owned items are a better value (68%), more unique (62%) and more sustainable (58%).
"The stigma around secondhand gifting is rapidly diminishing,” said Todd Dunlap, CEO of OfferUp. “Consumers are recognizing the unique value, quality, and affordability that secondhand gifts provide, especially in light of rising living costs. Pre-owned items are no longer just a practical choice — they’re now a preferred option for many, offering a way to give memorable gifts while being mindful of budget constraints."
Over the past year, 35% of shoppers embarked on their first resale journey, which is an 8% year-over-year increase in new participants. According to OfferUp, the recommerce market is expected to grow 55% by 2029, reaching $291.6 billion and outpacing the overall retail market.
OfferUp’s holiday report found that 53% of shoppers now find reselling to be an enjoyable experience, with 58% even preferring secondhand purchases over new ones. Additionally, 63% enjoy meeting in-person for secondhand transactions and 51% have formed new friendships or meaningful connections through reselling.
