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Gone are the days when secondhand meant second-best. Climate-conscious shoppers are embracing circular fashion, luxury resale has become a favorite among trendsetters, and secondhand clothes and accessories have transformed into both acceptable and highly desirable gifts. This holiday season, more and more people are maximizing their gift budgets with pre-loved treasures.
Thanks to thrift stores and resale platforms like Depop, The RealReal, and eBay, you can score designer handbags and shoes, quality winter accessories, and cult pieces from beloved brands — all for a fraction of the retail price. Gifting someone a secondhand item may take a little extra effort — like knowing their style preferences and clothing or shoe size — but it’s a meaningful way to show you care about both them and the environment. “There’s a real romance in gifting something that has lived a previous life,” vintage seller Erin Murphy tells Refinery29. “With secondhand gifts, you’re gifting the story of the piece with someone who means something to you.”
Whether you’re shopping for the person who “doesn’t want anything” or one with a taste for luxury, here are 15 secondhand treasures every fashion-lover will adore this season.
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Accessories: A Pre-Loved Bag
“A vintage bag is the perfect secondhand gift: It’s a wardrobe staple that keeps its quality,” Vivien Tang, owner of Vivien’s Vintage, tells Refinery29. For the trend-savvy recipient, look for trending styles like Y2K-inspired East-West bags or ‘60s frame handbags. Bonus points if it’s from its original era.
Coach Vintage Hampton Bag, $, available at Poshmark
Accessories: Statement Jewelry
Good things come in small packages. Whether it’s a rare cocktail ring, quirky brooch, or tennis bracelet, pre-loved jewelry adds a personal and thoughtful touch. A quick polish and it’s ready to dazzle under the tree.
Vintage Women’s Gold Watch Ring, $, available at Depop
Accessories: A Cozy Scarf
An oversized scarf is a winter essential that’s far more fun to give (and receive) than to buy for yourself. Seek out chunky knits, bright colors, or bold prints (if that’s their thing), and prioritize quality fabrics like wool and cashmere. Popular secondhand options include brands like Acne Studios, Burberry, and Loewe.
Acne Studios Fringe Wool Scarf, $, available at eBay
Accessories: A Vintage Watch
A timeless timepiece makes a thoughtful gift for the style-conscious. Whether it’s a sleek ’80s classic, an angular mid-century design, or a retro digital watch, research the brand and check seller reviews to ensure authenticity.
Hermès Carrick Watch, $, available at The Real Real
Classic Vintage Finds: A Retro Graphic Tee
A vintage graphic tee can be the ultimate personality gift. Look for rare concert tees, cult movie graphics, or slogans related to an inside joke. And if it’s not their style, it can always double as a cozy pajama top.
Disney Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at ThredUP
Classic Vintage Finds:
Limited-Edition Sneakers
The secondhand market is a goldmine for sneakerheads. Many pre-loved sneakers are barely worn or like-new, so search for limited-edition releases or designer collaborations to find a one-of-a-kind pair.
Adidas x Wales Bonner Patent Leather Trainers, $, available at Vestiaire Collective
Classic Vintage Finds: A Chunky Sweater
Introduce them to a new winter staple with a pre-loved oversized cable-knit, a colorful cardigan, or even a festive holiday number. You’ll find plenty of well-constructed, charming pieces from decades past in the secondhand market.
Vintage Bejeweled Sweater, $, available at Etsy
Classic Vintage Finds: A Staple Coat or Jacket
Secondhand outerwear offers endless possibilities, from slouchy, oversized jackets to timeless tailored coats. Have a style in mind, whether it’s a vintage trench or a suede blazer, to narrow down the search.
Andrew Marc Suede Blazer, $, available at ThredUP
Cult Luxury Items: Prada Loafers
A classic pair of Prada loafers is a surefire way to impress. From brushed leather to platform soles and sleek colorways, these timeless shoes are ideal for anyone with luxury taste.
Prada Leather Flats, $, available at Vestiaire Collective
Cult Luxury Items: Miu Miu Sunglasses
With searches for Miu Miu sunglasses surging this season (eBay reports a 30% increase), these bold, playful frames are a standout gift. Look for statement-making cat-eye shapes, rhinestone embellishments, or oversized silhouettes to add a touch of glamour.
Miu Miu Tinted Wraparound Sunglasses (F/W 2002), $, available at eBay
Cult Luxury Items: A Bottega Veneta Bag
Bottega Veneta’s iconic Intrecciato woven leather makes its bags instantly recognizable yet understated. These quietly luxurious pieces are perfect for the fashion insider who loves an “if you know, you know” vibe.
Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch, $, available at The Real Real
Cult Luxury Items: Chanel Heels
Nothing says timeless elegance like a pair of Chanel heels. Seek out classic styles such as quilted pumps, cap-toe slingbacks, or vintage Mary Janes for a gift that will never go out of style.
Chanel Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes, $, available at Poshmark
One-of-a-Kind Finds: A Reworked Top
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, consider a hand-made or upcycled item — a reworked top with modern silhouettes like cinched waists or cropped lengths is spot-on for the modernist in your life. “With reworks, each garment is hand-sourced with love and re-engineered into its new design,” says Charley Keighley, who sells ruched button-downs and reworked bubble skirts.
Riodecorset Reworked Corset, $, available at Etsy
One-of-a-Kind Finds: Handmade Jewelry
Many secondhand sellers make their own jewelry out of repurposed materials, often made from vintage coins, recycled metals, or antique charms — a gift as personal as it gets. Bonus: You’re supporting independent creators while giving a gift that’s truly unique.
Colleen Toland Vintage Beaded Bracelet, $, available at Etsy
One-of-a-Kind Finds: Handmade Knitwear
Cozy scarves or hats crafted from vintage wool or upcycled blankets make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents. Perfect for supporting small businesses and independent creators while gifting your loved one a truly one-of-a-kind gem.
Tatterworks Recycled Long Wool Scarf, $, available at Etsy
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