The must-have gift of the season may be a 'copycat'.

• Dupes may just be the hottest gift of the season.
• A recent report revealed that 79% of shoppers plan to purchase a duplicate gift for their loved ones during the holidays.
• According to experts, determining when to buy a dupe or invest in a name-brand product is crucial.

'Tis the season for giving… dupes?

This year, a dupe rose to the top of holiday wish-lists as a cheaper alternative to branded items. Although they were previously kept under the radar due to being labeled as inferior, a lot has changed.

Some people now prefer cheaper imitations of branded products to the original ones.

This holiday season, here are some effective ways to save money. Despite the fact that 28% of credit card users are still paying off last year's holiday debt, holiday shoppers plan to spend more.

A survey of over 1,000 shoppers by CouponCabin found that 79% of consumers plan to purchase a duplicate gift for their loved ones during the holidays.

Over 50% of the coupon site's survey respondents prefer dupes to the original product.

A report by Morning Consult found that nearly 33% of adults have intentionally purchased a dupe of a premium product, even when they could get the real thing. The business intelligence company polled more than 2,000 adults in early October.

When is a dupe an appropriate gift?

Experts advise considering the recipient before purchasing a duplicate item.

A dupe, or a replica of something, may be especially appreciated by some family members or friends, according to Ellyn Briggs, a brands analyst at Morning Consult.

Getting a dupe is a badge of honor for young people, she said.

If someone has been asking for a specific product for a while, there's a risk of disappointing them, according to Melanie Lowe, CouponCabin's savings expert.

Assessing the cost of a name-brand item and determining if it fits within the budget is crucial, according to Lowe.

"Lowe advised that when discussing a daily-used product, it's wise to invest in the original as it is typically a worthwhile purchase."

If the situation calls for a more light-hearted gift, you can definitely consider going the dupe route, she suggested.

'It's a dupe for a reason'

Approximately 86% of shoppers have been disappointed with their purchase of a dupe, according to CouponCabin.

"Lauren Beitelspacher, a professor of marketing at Babson College, stated that the product in question is a duplicate for a specific reason: we lack information about its origin, manufacturer, and quality."

Beitelspacher stated that not all dupes are bad, but consumers must be more aware of the quality difference and the premium price they may be paying.

To determine the quality of a dupe, read and watch product reviews online, which can be helpful when shopping for dupes.

A study by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of U.S. adults who use TikTok do so for reviews or recommendations, while others rely on Instagram and Facebook for product research.

Shopping secondhand this season

When purchasing secondhand items, consumers should take the same value into account, even if it's for gifting.

According to the 2024 OfferUp recommerce report, three out of four shoppers said that giving secondhand gifts has become more accepted over the past year, with a 7% increase from the previous year. The online marketplace for buying and selling new and used items polled 1,500 adults in July.

According to the report, 83% of shoppers are open to receiving secondhand gifts this holiday season.

Secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular among shoppers due to its value, sustainability, and ability to secure hard-to-find luxury items. The eco-friendly nature of secondhand shopping has also made it more socially acceptable. According to OfferUp's report, Generation Z is driving the shift in mindset towards secondhand shopping.

Todd Dunlap, OfferUp's CEO, stated that the negative perception of secondhand gifting is decreasing rapidly.

Be cautious when buying secondhand goods online, as you may not receive what you expect.