Vast majority of people happy to receive used gifts, research shows

Research by MPB, the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video kit, has uncovered that miscommunication over whether consumers would be happy to receive a used gift is the biggest barrier to gifting used. 

Despite nearly half (48%) of consumers saying they are considering the environmental sustainability of the gifts they buy this year more than they have in the past, fewer are choosing to buy used gifts for fear of causing offence. In a survey of more than 6,000 consumers in the UK, US and Germany, only a third (33%) said they are planning on giving a used gift this year. Around 43% of consumers worry that the recipient would be upset or offended.

When it comes to receiving gifts, however, over 3 in 5 (61%) consumers would be happy to receive a used gift in good condition and 49% would feel grateful, showing a clear communication gap between gift givers and receivers.

Matt Barker, CEO and Founder, MPB said: “23 million unwanted gifts are sent over the holiday season, so the time has come to change our attitude towards gifting. While it is encouraging to see more people considering the environmental impact of the gifts they are buying this year, it is disappointing that lack of communication remains a barrier to gifting used items. We need to step up and do more this year to reduce the negative impact our Christmas shopping has on the environment.”

For those intending to buy used gifts, the main driver is a desire to gift more sustainably (44%). This is closely followed by wanting to cut down on the amount spent shopping for gifts (42%), as nearly two-thirds of consumers (62%) feel there is too much pressure to buy expensive gifts. Encouragingly, over three in five (61%) believe they could get more for their money with used gifts. 

MPB’s research did however find a lack of awareness among consumers of where to find pre-loved gifts, with 46% not knowing where to search online.

Matt continued: “If you look, there are many amazing sites out there selling used items in excellent condition, so what’s stopping you? All of our kit is rated on its condition, which means a lot of the time you can get a like-new product around 30% cheaper so it’s good for your pocket and for the planet.

The survey was conducted of 6,139 consumers across the UK, US & Germany between Monday, November 15th and Monday, November 22nd, 2021.