2024-11-16 15:04:00
The practice of second-hand gifts is gradually becoming established in the customs of the French, especially among the youngest. A recent IFOP study highlights this trend, indicating that 40% of French people have already given or received such a gift. This phenomenon is particularly notable among 18-24 year olds.
A Growing Craze Among Young People
The rise of second-hand gifts is partly fueled by growing financial concerns and increased awareness of environmental issues. According to the IFOP, six out of ten French people who have given a second-hand gift have done so for less than three years. The recent nature of this practice underlines its progressive anchoring in our culture.
The younger generations are clearly at the head of this movement. In fact, 57% of 18-24 year olds and 59% of 25-49 year olds have already given second-hand gifts. On the other hand, this practice is significantly less popular among those over 65, with only 28% of them having given a second-hand gift. Jérôme Fourquet, director of the Opinion and Strategies department of the IFOP, notes that “the practice would have spread throughout society”, which testifies to an evolution in consumer behavior.
The Diversity of Practices according to Regions
The trend of giving second-hand gifts is not limited to a single region or social category. The leboncoin site, which has become a reference in this field, reveals that interest in second-hand gifts particularly increases between November and December. This period coincides with the end-of-year celebrations, a period traditionally conducive to consumption.
At the regional level, notable disparities appear. Pays de la Loire, with a demand rate of 7.6%, precedes Brittany and New Aquitaine, at 7.3% and 6.8% respectively. Conversely, Île-de-France seems to show less interest in this practice, with a demand of 5.1%.
Leboncoin statistics on the most searched products between November 1 and 12, 2024 reveal that games and toys, notably Playmobil and Lego, are at the top of searches. This preference for used games indicates a change in consumer priorities, who increasingly seem to favor use over buying new.
A Practice in Evolution and Accelerated by Environmental Consciousness
Antoine Jouteau, CEO of boncoin, underlines the importance of their platform in this transformation of purchasing behavior. “With 1 in 2 French people connecting to leboncoin every month, we have a key role in the democratization of second-hand gifts,” he says. Ecological concerns seem to dominate the purchasing choices of the French, alongside economic issues.
In addition, the practice of second-hand gifts shows a tendency to become more popular. While the gap of 20 percentage points between the richest and most modest French people was marked in 2023, it increased to 11 points in 2024, with 43% of wealthy French people saying they give such gifts. This illustrates a change in mentality where buying second-hand is no longer only seen as a choice out of necessity, but as an acceptable and desirable social option.
Second-hand gifts, far from being a simple fashion, seem to be becoming a lasting part of consumption habits, promising a redefinition of festive exchanges and a positive impact on the planet.
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How do regional variations impact the popularity of second-hand gifts during the holiday season?
**Interview with Jérôme Fourquet, Director of the Opinion and Strategies Department at IFOP**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Jérôme. Your recent study shows a rising trend in giving second-hand gifts among the French population. What do you believe is driving this growing popularity?
**Jérôme Fourquet**: Thank you for having me. The trend is driven by a combination of financial considerations and an increasing awareness of environmental issues. Many people, especially younger generations, are looking for ways to save money and reduce waste. This shift in consumer behavior signifies a cultural change that prioritizes sustainability and resourcefulness.
**Editor**: It’s interesting to see how different age groups are engaging with this trend. Could you elaborate on the differences between the younger and older generations?
**Jérôme Fourquet**: Certainly. Our study indicates that 57% of 18-24 year-olds and 59% of 25-49 year-olds have participated in the exchange of second-hand gifts. In contrast, the participation drops significantly among those over 65, with only 28% engaging in this practice. This suggests that younger people are more open to embracing second-hand gifting as a norm, which could reflect broader changes in how they perceive consumerism.
**Editor**: The study highlights a spike in interest around the holiday season. Can you discuss how regional differences may affect the popularity of second-hand gifts?
**Jérôme Fourquet**: Absolutely. The platform leboncoin has noted an uptick in second-hand gift transactions during November and December. This is likely linked to the holiday shopping season, where people are looking for unique and budget-friendly gift options. The trend isn’t confined to specific regions; it appears to be a widespread social phenomenon that transcends geographic and socioeconomic boundaries.
**Editor**: Lastly, how do you see the future of second-hand gifting evolving in France?
**Jérôme Fourquet**: I believe we will continue to see an increase in the acceptance and normalization of second-hand gifts. As consumers become more conscious of their spending and environmental impact, this practice will likely become integral to our gifting traditions. The shift reflects a broader evolution in societal values around sustainability and resourcefulness that may reshape how we approach gift-giving in future generations.
**Editor**: Thank you, Jérôme, for sharing your insights on this fascinating trend. It seems that second-hand gifts could not only save money but also contribute positively to the environment.
**Jérôme Fourquet**: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic!
