37% of EU consumers are planning to give at least one used gift in 2022

In the EU, 37% of EU consumers are planning to give at least one used gift in 2022, according to research commissioned by MPB. Those planning on giving used can rest assured that their gifts will be well received, as the research found that the majority of people (62%) would be happy to receive used gifts. In 2021, 47% of people said they were embarrassed to give second-hand gifts. This figure has tended to drop lately for several reasons.

First, there is evidence that the rising cost of living is putting pressure on household incomes, with around a third of people (23%) saying they cannot afford to buy new gifts. Among adults surveyed, Gen Z and millennials are the most affected by the cost of living crisis, with 56% of respondents agreeing that the crisis has made it more likely to decide to give used gifts this year. Nearly 16% of respondents across all markets say they have asked to receive second-hand gifts.

 The increase in the number of people giving used gifts also appears to be driven by environmental concerns, according to the study. Around 40% of consumers across all markets say they would like to give more sustainable gifts.

In 2022, MPB is urging consumers to Pause, Consider and Act. The campaign encourages consumers to slow down and consider what they have already purchased. The company has continued its commitment to its partnership with One Tree Planted, which will see a further 25,000 trees planted to help fight deforestation.

Matt Barker, Founder and CEO of MPB, said “Given increasing environmental concerns around overconsumption, alongside the rising pressure on household income, it's unsurprising that many of us are looking for alternatives to simply buying new, and it's brilliant to see that the perceived stigma around gifting and purchasing used items is declining.”

“There is an abundance of well-functioning products in re-circulation out there, and many items, such as photo and video equipment, have fantastic manufacture quality and are built to last. Moreover, used models cost a third less than the same model new on average.”

“Overall, buying and selling used is a win for your wallet and the planet alike, and putting more items into the circular economy is a win for the next owner too. While savvy shoppers are catching on to circular behaviour, there are so many people still out of the loop, and we would encourage them to join the used movement.”

Learn more about MPB’s sustainability commitments at mpb.com/impact.