Every new product comes with a footprint: raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and shipping. Buying secondhand gives items that already exist a longer life, keeps usable goods out of landfills and often saves money too. Before the holiday shopping rush begins, it is a great time to build a “secondhand first” habit.

Here is how to get started, whether you are looking for clothes, furniture, books or kids’ gear.

Why secondhand matters

Extending the life of things is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste. When you buy used, you are not adding demand for a brand-new item, and you are keeping a perfectly good product in circulation. Clothing, furniture and electronics in particular use large amounts of resources to produce, so even small changes in how you shop can add up over time.

Where to find secondhand goods

There are more options than ever:

  • Thrift and charity shops: Great for clothes, kitchenware, books and home decor.
  • Consignment stores: Often more curated, with higher-quality clothing and furniture.
  • Flea markets and yard sales: Ideal for unique finds and vintage pieces.
  • Online marketplaces and local buy-and-sell groups: Useful for furniture, baby gear and tools.
  • Library and community sales: Excellent for inexpensive books and media.
  • Buy Nothing and free-cycle groups: Neighbors give away items they no longer need.

Tips for successful thrifting

  1. Make a short list so you do not come home with things you will not use.
  2. Go often; inventory changes quickly at thrift stores.
  3. Check seams, zippers, buttons and stains on clothing.
  4. Look for solid wood and sturdy joints on furniture.
  5. Try things on, or bring measurements for furniture and clothes.
  6. Be open to minor fixes such as a missing button or a loose hem.

What to be careful with

Some items are best bought new or inspected carefully:

  • Car seats and bike helmets: Their safety history is hard to verify, and they can have hidden damage or be past their expiration date.
  • Cribs and other baby sleep products: Check for recalls and current safety standards.
  • Mattresses and upholstered items: Inspect closely for pests and cleanliness.
  • Electrical items: Check cords and plugs, and test before buying when possible.

When in doubt, look up the product’s model number for recalls before you buy.

Try a clothing swap

Swaps are a fun, social way to refresh your wardrobe without spending anything. Invite friends to bring clean clothes they no longer wear, set them out by category and let everyone browse. Donate whatever is left at the end. The same idea works for books, toys, board games and kitchen gadgets.

Close the loop: give back too

Secondhand shopping works best when items keep moving. Before you buy something, consider what you can pass on. Donate clean, usable items, sell things you no longer need or give them away in a local group. Clothes that are too worn to wear can often be dropped off at textile recycling points instead of going in the trash.

Secondhand gifting

Thoughtful secondhand gifts are increasingly welcome. Vintage books, records, quality kitchenware, board games and well-made toys can make memorable presents. Clean them up, add a note about why you chose it, and wrap in reusable fabric or paper.

The bottom line

Shopping secondhand first is a simple, practical way to waste less and get more value from what already exists. Start small, perhaps with your next clothing purchase or a piece of furniture, and you may find it becomes your favorite way to shop.

Image: Reconnected Recycled Clothes shop, 14 Feb 2026 by Andykatib via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0