Refurbed, the online marketplace for refurbished products, has uncovered a clear generational divide in Dutch attitudes toward used product gifting during the year’s busiest retail period. Based on a consumer survey conducted around Black Friday, the company found that younger adults are far more open to receiving refurbished presents, while older generations remain cautious. The survey, which gathered insights from more than one thousand respondents across the Netherlands, examined whether consumers still consider sustainability and circularity when seasonal sales rise. According to Refurbed founder Kilian Kaminski, Green Friday has become the company’s strongest sales moment of the year. He noted that demand increases significantly compared to an average week and that search interest in refurbished products also grows. This shift suggests that more consumers are exploring sustainable alternatives for holiday gifts.
Ecommerce sector sees seasonal spike
Additional data from Thuiswinkel.org’s Market Monitor confirms that the final quarter remains a peak period for Dutch ecommerce. Popular gift categories include toys, media and entertainment, and electronics. A spokesperson for Thuiswinkel.org said the wider sector experiences high activity due to Black Friday and the December holidays, with many items purchased as gifts or for personal use. The organisation indicated that roughly half of consumers consider sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
Older consumers remain reluctant
Despite rising awareness, the report shows a substantial portion of the Dutch population still avoids secondhand gifting altogether. More than one quarter of respondents said they would not consider giving any used item as a present. Among those aged 18 to 29, however, this reluctance drops sharply to 11%. Older consumers drive the national average upward, with 35% of people over 60 stating they would not purchase a secondhand gift. When asked which used items they would most readily give, consumers ranked books highest, followed by toys, electronics, jewellery and clothing.
Price shapes refurbished choices
Refurbed’s poll also explored motivations behind choosing refurbished products. Nearly 60% of Dutch consumers identify price as the primary driver, while 49% cite sustainability. A smaller but notable group, around 10%, chooses refurbished gifts specifically to make a statement against excessive consumerism. Regarding refurbished items, respondents were most interested in smartphones and tablets, followed by bicycles and e-bikes, laptops and accessories, gaming consoles and controllers, and tools. Interest in refurbished electronics also continues to rise, particularly for high-value devices such as the Apple iPhone.
Shift toward sustainable gifting
The findings indicate that although attitudes differ strongly by age, refurbished gifting is gaining mainstream traction. Younger consumers in particular are pushing sustainable choices into the seasonal shopping conversation. As Black Friday and holiday sales continue to expand, the tension between price-driven decisions and sustainability-led motivation highlights an evolving relationship between Dutch consumers and the circular economy.
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