10 Everyday Items You Don’t Need to Buy New (and Where to Find Them)
When most of us think about saving money or living sustainably, we picture big changes like solar panels or buying an electric car. But some of the most impactful shifts start small — with everyday items we use constantly. The truth is, many of the things we buy brand-new could easily be found secondhand, swapped, or borrowed. Not only does this cut waste, it saves serious money. Here are 10 everyday items you don’t need to buy new — and where to find them instead.
10 Items You Don’t Need to Buy New
1. Books
Skip the new release table. Check local libraries, Little Free Libraries, thrift shops, or online swaps like PaperBackSwap.
2. Clothing
From jeans to kids’ clothes, thrift stores and resale apps like Poshmark or ThredUp are full of quality finds.
3. Furniture
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community Buy Nothing groups are treasure troves for gently used tables, chairs, and shelves.
4. Kitchenware
Thrift stores often have entire kitchen aisles with pots, pans, utensils, and glassware that outlast new cheap sets.
5. Toys & Games
Kids outgrow toys quickly — resale shops and swaps are the perfect place to find puzzles, Legos, or board games.
6. Electronics & Gadgets
Refurbished phones, laptops, and appliances from certified resellers work just as well for a fraction of the cost.
7. Exercise Equipment
Weights, yoga mats, bikes, or treadmills are often sold barely used online. Many people abandon home workout gear after a month.
8. Tools
Instead of buying new, borrow from neighbors, join a local tool library, or buy used at yard sales.
9. Baby Gear
Strollers, high chairs, and cribs can be found gently used in parenting groups or consignment shops. (Safety note: always double-check recalls).
10. Sports Equipment
From skis to soccer cleats, secondhand sporting goods shops like Play It Again Sports keep gear in circulation.
Why Buying Secondhand Works
Every item you reuse:
Saves money immediately.
Reduces demand for new manufacturing.
Keeps useful goods out of landfills.
Reminds you that “enough” already exists in the world.
Buying secondhand isn’t about settling for less. It’s about choosing smarter — and often finding higher-quality items that last longer than new fast-fashion or mass-market versions.
Tips to Make It Easy
Set alerts on resale apps for items you’re looking for.
Check first: Before buying new, see if you can borrow, swap, or thrift it.
Keep a list: Track what you want so you don’t impulse buy.
Join local groups: Buy Nothing and Freecycle are gold mines.
Ready to Try?
If you’re curious about the power of secondhand, start with just one category: maybe books, kitchenware, or clothes. Once you see how much you save, you’ll want to keep going.
And if you’re ready for a bigger shift, our Mindful Consumer School 1-Year Course helps you commit to a year of buying nothing new with community, tools, and step-by-step guidance.
Stop spending more than you need to. Join the Buy Nothing New movement today.