Thrift giving: Millennials take the lead in making old new again

By ELENA JOHNSON

For Coeur Voice

Don’t “waste” this opportunity: When shopping for gifts this year go cheap, and old.

That is, if your loved ones are on the younger, secondhand-loving side. If they’re young adults, those odds are higher than before.

Big business. Thrift and resale shopping has been on the rise for over a decade, particularly since the recession of 2008.

The market for secondhand apparel is expected to more than double between 2018 and 2023, from a value of $24 billion to a whopping $51 billion, according to a survey by online consignment and thrift store thredUP.

Millennial and Gen Z shoppers show the most growth in buying secondhand, with nearly 10 percent increases in each generation, greatly outpacing Gen X and Baby Boomer shoppers (who show a 2 to 3 percent increase).

Interestingly, while the younger generations are typically credited for pushing the trend, thredUP reports that for now, Boomers practically tie with Millennials, with approximately a third of each generation opting to shop used.

Less stigma. While shopping used might once have held negative connotations, all age groups have shown an increase in thrifting.

For some, it’s practically a hobby to spend the day hitting local charity and thrift shops looking for hidden gems, especially among younger generations. Every designer label found at a bargain, or surprisingly charming lamp, becomes as exciting as buried treasure.

And you get to be the Indiana Jones of thrift.

Environmental concerns. Millennials in particular are looking to decrease their negative environmental impacts. As the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors of waste worldwide, the choice to buy secondhand clothing both prolongs the use of items and, if implemented broadly enough, could reduce the number of items being produced in the first place.

As the global waste problem gains attention, many are questioning the linear and recycle economies – where things are bought and thrown away or partly recycled, and calling to move toward the circular economy – where little to nothing is wasted – which has largely prevailed throughout history.

Since younger generations, now as ever, also tend to be more fashion-conscious, resellers present the opportunity to update wardrobes while also participating in a circular economy.

While these generations like to be socially aware and interested in making social change, this may also be partly a result of their financial situation.

Debt. Millennials tend to be worse off than their parents were at comparable ages, especially those who have not attended college, CNBC reported in September. Those who did typically owe a great deal – with a median of about $20,000 in debt.

Millennials were never going to be a diamond-loving generation. And with a less-than-optimistic financial situation so early in their lives, it’s no surprise they’re embracing thrifty options such as buying secondhand.

Whether younger generations are motivated by practicality, the future, or simply appreciate older items for typically being better-made and longer-lasting, the trend of buying used has reached a new height.

More and more Millennials are turning to secondhand gifting, citing the same concerns for price, sustainability, and quality.

Fruitcake, anyone? Another motivation of purchasing used gifts? They may not be wanted anyway.

Many charity stores see an increase in January donations, including many appreciated, but ultimately unwanted, gifts from the month before.

Instead of contributing to the cycle, buying higher quality used items provides a greater chance at prolonging the useful life for those items.

Nonprofit support. And if they are ultimately returned or given away again, it could be considered a different kind of donation. If you choose to buy from charity-run secondhand stores, it’s likely your money went toward job training programs, crisis and substance abuse recovery, or other charitable uses.

If your gift may not be loved, it can at least do good.

More buying power. You can further this sense of giving another way by increasing the gifts you are able to give. Many of us would love to share the joy with everyone in our lives, but most of us young adults can’t afford a big gift for every loved one.

Shopping secondhand more easily enables you to add to the number on your list. For $5, you can buy a mug for every coworker, or at least all your team members. Most dishware ages well, and since most people have a use for a coffee or cocoa mug or cute glassware, it’s more likely to be kept and appreciated.

If you’re someone who tends to go above and beyond at the expense of your budget, buying used is safer. You can still be the Christmas elf spreading as much joy as possible, without completely emptying your wallet or adding to the national debt.

One-stop shopping. You’ll probably find something for almost everyone on your list at the same place, too. Books, music, clothes, household items, yarn and craft supplies, bags and decorations can all be found at most secondhand shops for reasonable prices.

For loved ones who prefer unique items, quirky fashions and vintage items are more likely to suit them anyway.

If you’re worried about sizing, choose items which fit a larger variety of people, such as winter coats, scarves, shoes, or even sweaters (who doesn’t love a cozy oversized sweater)?

Many thrift stores, such as Idaho Youth Ranch at 1609 N. Government Way in Midtown - where several are clustered closeby, even offer gift cards, giving the recipient a chance to pick what they want. And after they find a new shirt that’s just their style, they’ll probably have enough left over to pick up a matching pair of jeans, a book, and maybe even a Yankee candle.

Instead of frantically budgeting to find gifts for everyone on your list, consider secondhand this year. You may be surprised what you find, and feel good about it longer.