Over the years, I’ve learned that I can save big money by buying specific items secondhand — especially mom, kid, and baby items. Since those items are often used for such a short period of time, they're often as good as new and cost a fraction of the price.
Last year, I turned our formal dining room into a playroom on a small budget. I found most everything I needed in different rooms — but one major thing was lacking: a toy storage unit.
I perused multiple online options and found that many toy storage pieces cost hundreds of dollars over my dining-room-to-playroom makeover budget. That’s when I turned to the secondhand market.
I found a unique dresser with traditional drawers and a cupboard. Best of all, it was just $100. We arranged for pickup and counted our lucky stars that we had just landed a sturdy piece of furniture within our budget. As an added bonus, it was already assembled.
This wasn’t my first secondhand score. And it certainly won’t be my last. I love buying used/thrifted/secondhand. It’s really an amazing way to get unique, higher quality options for much less than retail. Here’s a peek at specific things I always buy secondhand.
Hunter rain boots
I love the look and the function of high-end boots for myself and my kids, but there's no way I’m coughing up $55 to $80 for children’s shoes. Used, I easily find them for $20 or $30.
Maternity clothes
Ebay, Poshmark, and ThredUp have become my best friends when it comes to maternity clothes. I know the brands that fit me best, so it’s easy to search for and find pieces for a steal.
Nursery furniture
Babies aren’t hard on furniture like older kids — which makes cribs, rocking chairs, and dressers great pieces to pick up secondhand. Of course, always check recalls before purchasing any used baby items.
Toy storage
I shared my toy storage story because it’s one of my favorite used finds. If you’re looking for affordable organization options, start perusing sale posts on places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
Puzzles and board games
My kids love visiting our local thrift store to choose puzzles and board games — usually for 10% of what they cost at Target. This allows us to try lots of options, keep our favorites, and pass on ones we don’t love — rather than feeling tied to the investment.
Books
It’s rare that I buy a new book. We are avid library patrons, first and foremost, but our home library is booming, thanks to our local Little Free Library, Thriftbooks, and Goodwill.
Your family car
Here’s a big one that all financial experts agree on – never buy a car new off the lot! That doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice car. It just means that it's worth it to shop around for a well-cared-for, used vehicle.
Halloween costumes
Have you noticed how spendy Halloween costumes can be? Upwards of $20, $50, $100 — depending on their popularity and accessories. For me, I multiply that investment by four and … well, I’m not about to go broke for a one-day holiday. Used, it is! Facebook Marketplace booms with options in the fall when moms begin assessing what they have and planning for what they need. Watch the secondhand market for major deals and you’ll save lots.
Outdoor fun
In the last year, I’ve purchased a like-new trampoline for my kids for $75, a bike for $40, and kid-size gardening equipment for under five bucks. As the weather gets warmer, prep for lots of outdoor fun without breaking the bank by browsing the secondhand market.
