With holiday budgets feeling tighter than ever, many Americans are turning to an unexpected hero this year: the thrift store. Social media is fueling the trend, too — hop on TikTok and you’ll find the hashtag #Thriftmas gaining serious momentum as shoppers show off their budget-friendly holiday hauls.
One viral creator, @jaeliz22_, shared her trip to a Salvation Army store in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she set out with a $100 budget to shop for her four children and a family vacation. By the end, she had filled an entire cart with toys and stocking stuffers — spending just over $18 on most of it. She even noted that her local store is pricier than other locations, proving how far thrift shopping dollars can stretch.
The Rise of Secondhand Gifting
According to a November report from mobile marketplace OfferUp, secondhand shopping is no longer a last-resort strategy — it’s becoming mainstream. The data shows:
This shift isn’t limited to the holidays, either. OfferUp’s 2025 Recommerce Report found that 93% of Americans purchased secondhand items in the past year, and 70% say the stigma around thrifting has significantly faded.
Shoppers are also leaning on secondhand buys to dodge the usual holiday headaches: 89% said they prefer buying from local sellers to avoid shipping delays and extra fees. And Gen Z is leading the charge — 95% say they’re open to thrifting if it means snagging better deals.
Why Thrift Shopping Is Surging Right Now
The economic backdrop is playing a major role. OfferUp found that 93% of shoppers are worried about rising holiday expenses, and 70% are actively hunting for discounts. Recent WalletHub data shows U.S. consumers added $16 billion in credit card debt in Q3 of 2025. Meanwhile, Gallup reports a sharp drop in consumer confidence, with 68% of Americans saying the economy is getting worse.
Unsurprisingly, the CNBC | SurveyMonkey Small Business Saturday Survey found that:
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40% of Americans plan to spend less this holiday season
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Many are cutting back on gift spending
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15% plan to regift or reuse items they already own
Even USA Today has named “Thriftmas” as one of the year’s most notable holiday shopping trends.
More Than Savings: The Feel-Good Factor
For many shoppers, the appeal of thrifting goes beyond budget relief. It’s also about sustainability and giving new life to pre-loved items.
“They’re getting a new life and they’re not ending up in a landfill,” thrift shopper Samantha Rose Brammer told USA Today after spending around $5. “Thriftmas is like repurposing items…and can save you a lot of money.”
Plus, thrifting often includes donating or selling unwanted items, helping shoppers offset costs while decluttering before the new year.
How to Join the Thriftmas Movement
Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or dipping your toes in for the first time, there are plenty of ways to embrace secondhand shopping this season:
Local Thrift Stores
Start with your neighborhood shops. Helpful directories include:
Online Secondhand Platforms
If you prefer browsing from home, try:
Thriftmas isn’t just a trend — it’s becoming a smart, sustainable, and community-driven way to celebrate the holidays. And for many families, it’s the key to keeping the season merry without breaking the bank.
Frank
Image Credit: 
Image credit: Subway Newsroom
