Survey: People are more open to pre-owned gifts this holiday season

SALT LAKE CITY — To save more and worry less, second-hand marketplaces offer gifts at an affordable price.

With rising retail prices and inventory shortages, experts say resale is more popular than ever, and KSL Classifieds is seeing a lot of traffic right now with people trying to sell stuff they don't need for extra cash.

"You'd be surprised at the stuff people are trying to sell. It takes so little time to list it. Get it out there and see if you get any interest," said Kirk Koenen, director of marketing of KSL Classifieds.

An OfferUp survey shows that 29% will turn to resale apps to find out-of-stock items this season.

Koenen said items that are in big demand right now are second-hand winter gear, AirPods, holiday decorations and designer handbags.

"Just yesterday, my sister drove over an hour to find a pair of boots, and it was only used for one season," he explained. "She saved $300 on those boots for her son — that was worth an hour's drive."

The survey also shows that 78% of Americans are likely to buy pre-owned gifts this holiday season.

The stigma surrounding buying and selling pre-owned items is dwindling, where 82% of people say they're open to receiving pre-owned gifts.

What's the difference between regifting and pre-owned?

Regifting is when you give someone a gift that was originally given to you.

Pre-owned gifting is when you gift someone an item you originally purchased for yourself.

Experts say when the two are combined, people can save money, support the environment and give more generous gifts to those on their holiday list.

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