The 2025 OfferUp Recommerce Report: Holiday Special Release revealed that 81% of Americans plan to spend at least part of their gift budget on second-hand items, and 27% of these shoppers anticipate allocating as much as half of their holiday spending to pre-owned goods.
Online market research firm Pollfish carried out the survey on behalf of OfferUp in November 2025. The findings are from a sample of 1,500 adults across the US.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Another key finding of the OfferUp survey is that rising prices are a major concern for consumers, with 93% reporting that inflation will impact their holiday spending plans.
To manage rising prices, 70% of shoppers plan to seek discounts, 63% intend to wait for sales or promotions, and 48% expect to purchase fewer gifts this season.
The data reveals that 84% of respondents would choose a resale platform over buying new if it results in lower prices, with this preference reaching nearly 95% among Gen Z.
Locally, shoppers point to second-hand purchases as offering additional benefits. The top reasons for buying from local resale sellers this holiday season include finding unique or one-of-a-kind items, cited by 61% of respondents, lower prices at 58%, supporting local sellers at 38%, and avoiding shipping delays at 37%.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataMeanwhile, resale is also becoming a way to generate income during the holidays, with 32% Americans, and 48% of Gen Z, looking to sell items to help pay for gifts or travel.
Gift preferences show vintage and collectable items leading all second-hand categories at 40%, followed by clothing and accessories at 37%, and toys and children’s products at 29%.
Shipping concerns continue to influence purchasing decisions, with 85% reporting stress about holiday deliveries, and 74% having experienced late or missing gifts.
These frustrations are leading nearly nine out of ten Americans, or 89% to prefer local second-hand sellers to avoid delivery delays and extra fees, the OfferUp report claimed.
Interest in pre-owned goods extends beyond gifts, with 36% planning to buy second-hand or vintage holiday décor.
