Picture the holiday gift that makes someone stop, turn it over in their hands and smile. It is not the same boxed item that countless other people unwrapped this year. It is a little bit special, maybe a little bit old, and it has a story. According to a new survey, more Americans are leaning that way this season, and it could be good news for your wallet.

The findings come from ThredUp’s 2026 Holiday Resale Report, released October 26, 2026. The survey was conducted by GlobalData for ThredUp between September 4 and September 18, 2026, and it asked 2,123 adults across the United States about their holiday plans.

The report arrived ahead of the busiest gifting weeks of the year, when many households set their holiday budgets and begin their shopping lists. The 2,123 adults surveyed answered questions about what they plan to buy, what they would like to receive and whether they expect to sell items.

What The Survey Found

According to the report, 62% of Americans plan to buy secondhand this holiday season. That is a big share of shoppers heading to thrift shops, resale sites and vintage stores for at least part of their gift list.

The report also found that 55% would rather receive a one-of-a-kind, vintage or hard-to-find secondhand gift in excellent condition than a brand-new, mass-produced one. Put another way, more than half of those surveyed said they would choose something with character over something fresh off the factory line.

Here is another number that stands out. The report says 84% would like a gift they loved the same or more after learning it was secondhand. That tells us the old stigma about “used” gifts may be fading. If the gift is lovely, the receiver may care less about where it came from.

And money plays a part, too. The report found that 53% have sold or expect to sell items to help pay for the holidays. If you have ever cleaned out a closet or a garage in November and used the cash for presents, you are in good company.

Why Vintage Gifts Feel So Right

There is a reason this trend feels so natural to anyone who grew up with a well-loved record player, a handed-down quilt or a set of dishes that had seen a few family dinners. Vintage things carry memories. A gift that sparks a “I remember these!” is often worth more than one that simply cost more.

Secondhand gifts can also stretch a holiday budget. A thoughtful vintage find can look and feel special without a big price tag, and you may find something that simply is not sold in stores anymore.

There is a budget angle for grandparents and parents alike. When several grandchildren, nieces or nephews are on the list, a few well-chosen secondhand pieces can mean the difference between a stressful December and a comfortable one. And a gift with a little age on it often starts a conversation, which is half the fun of the holidays anyway.

How To Give A Secondhand Gift The Right Way

• Match the gift to the person. Think about what they collect, what they remember fondly or what they have been missing. A gift that fits someone’s taste will feel like a treasure no matter its age.
• Check the condition carefully. The survey question specifically described gifts in excellent condition, and that is a good guide. Look for chips, cracks, stains, missing pieces and anything that does not work as it should.
• Clean it gently. A careful wipe or wash, done in a way that suits the material, can make an old item shine. Be careful with delicate finishes, and avoid anything that could damage the piece.
• Tell the story. A short note about where you found it, or why it made you think of the person, turns a find into a keepsake.
• Wrap it with care. Nice wrapping shows the gift was chosen on purpose and is not a last-minute rescue.
• Keep the receipt or the return policy handy for safety. Not every secondhand seller accepts returns, so ask before you buy if the gift is a big one.

A Few Smart Shopping Tips

Start early. Vintage and hard-to-find items take time to track down, and the best pieces are often snapped up quickly. Browse thrift shops, estate sales, antique malls and resale sites, and be ready to look more than once.

Set a budget for yourself and stick with it. It is easy to get carried away when something wonderful shows up at a bargain price. Decide what you want to spend on each person and let that guide your choices.

Thrift shops, estate sales and antique malls tend to carry different kinds of gifts: clothing and housewares at thrift stores, furniture and china at estate sales, and collectibles at antique malls.

Be a careful buyer, too. Ask sellers plain questions about condition and about any repairs. If a piece is described as an antique or a collectible, be sure you are paying for what it really is.

The survey captures what people said they planned or preferred this season, a snapshot of the mood and a good reason to feel confident about a gift with a past.

The Takeaway

If the ThredUp report is any sign, giving a vintage or secondhand gift is no longer a quirky choice. It is becoming a mainstream way to give something with heart, and to give it without breaking the bank. This holiday season, you might just find the best present on the shelf with the little dust on it.

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