Thinking of Shopping Secondhand for Gifts? You’re Not Alone

There’s nothing quite like a pile of expertly wrapped gifts under the tree during the holidays. But shopping for holiday gifts can be stressful — especially with the rising cost of living affecting our holiday gift-giving budgets. Some considered secondhand gifts taboo in the past, but now it’s become the norm for many shoppers. 

A new report by OfferUp found that shoppers in 2024 are more likely than ever to buy secondhand gifts for their loved ones. If you’re strapped for cash this year, shopping secondhand could save you big bucks.

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Here’s How Shoppers Feel About Secondhand Gifts

Secondhand gifts are no longer considered cheap or impersonal. OfferUp’s report found that 74% of shoppers feel that giving secondhand gifts has become more accepted over the last year. That’s a 7% increase from the same report in 2023. And 83% of shoppers are open to receiving secondhand gifts from their loved ones — so you won’t need to worry about being perceived as cheap.

The report also found that 2 in 3 shoppers — including a whopping 83% of Gen Z shoppers — plan to buy holiday gifts secondhand this year. Respondents chalked this up to the rising cost of living: 63% said that higher living costs make them more likely to choose secondhand gifts rather than new ones for their friends and family.

But higher prices aren’t the only reason people are considering secondhand shopping this holiday season. Of those surveyed, 48% said they believe secondhand gifts offer better value for their money, and 40% appreciated that secondhand gifts are often more unique than new ones. Finally, 31% of respondents said they love the thrill of searching for that perfect gift from a secondhand seller.

6 Places to Find Quality Secondhand Gifts for the Holidays

Ready to jump on the secondhand gifts bandwagon? Here’s where you can find the best ones for everyone in your life.

1. Thrift Stores

Your local thrift store is an untapped haven for unique and interesting holiday gifts. Search for toys, puzzles, artwork, home decor and books that your gift recipients would love. There are so many cheap Christmas gifts at thrift stores that will cost you a fraction of what you’d pay for a new gift. 

But don’t just grab the first thing you see that you think your gift recipient might not hate. Even when you’re buying secondhand holiday gifts, you want to ensure you’re getting something your friend, family member or coworker will actually like.

2. Facebook Marketplace

While you’re catching up on your Facebook memories or scrolling through your newsfeed, head over to Facebook Marketplace to shop for secondhand holiday gifts. This platform certainly has its share of weird listings, but you can often find hidden gems perfect for those on your gift list.

But watch out for Facebook Marketplace scams. To stay safe, try to buy locally and arrange to meet the seller in a public, well-lit place so you can inspect the item before paying for it. If you buy an item that’s not local, only send payment through Facebook or PayPal so you can file a reimbursement claim if the item isn’t exactly as described. 

3. Used Bookstores

Your local used bookstore is the perfect place to shop for the bookworms on your list. You might even get lucky and find a rare edition of your loved one’s favorite book, which will make a cherished gift. 

Used bookstores often sell other items, like games, toys, vinyl records, posters and clothing. If you’re lucky, you can do all your shopping in one place.

4. Etsy or eBay

Etsy and eBay both have thousands of listings for secondhand goods. If you have something specific in mind to give as a gift, search these websites to see what options are available. 

You can also browse the secondhand listings to find something your gift recipient would appreciate. The perfect gift might not be obvious until you stumble across it while scrolling the listings.

5. Buy Nothing Groups

If you haven’t joined your local Buy Nothing group yet, there’s no time like the present! The Buy Nothing Project has local groups nationwide where neighbors give away items they no longer need for free to those in their community. 

You can ask for a specific gift if you have one in mind, or you can comb through listings to find an item someone on your gift list will love.

6. Your Own Home

Don’t discount your own home for finding the perfect holiday gift! Perhaps someone gifted you a book you won’t read, or a bottle of alcohol you don’t like, but someone on your gift list would love it. 

Other potential gifts you might have hidden at home include coffee mugs, candles, body lotions, board games and crafting kits.

Save Money With Secondhand Holiday Shopping

Whether you’re living day-to-day on a smaller budget or cutting back to save up for a future expense, giving secondhand gifts could help you save a ton of money. And your unique gift will likely be cherished just as much as — if not more than — a brand-new item.

So, if you haven’t started yet, make your list, check it twice, and head out to your local secondhand shop!

Catherine Hiles is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and freelance writer specializing in personal finance and home improvement. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children and two energetic dogs.