9 Unexpected Items People Now Buy Secondhand to Save Money

The secondhand market isn’t just for clothes and furniture anymore. As prices keep climbing, people are getting creative about what they’re willing to buy used, and some of the items may surprise you. Here are nine things people are now picking up secondhand to stretch their budgets further.

Exercise Equipment

Home gym gear has become one of the hottest secondhand categories, and it’s easy to see why. Treadmills, weight sets, stationary bikes, and yoga equipment all hold up well when used, but buying new can cost thousands of dollars. People sell barely-used equipment all the time because they didn’t stick with their fitness goals or need to clear space. You can find high-quality brands for a fraction of retail price, often in excellent condition.

The key is being patient and checking local marketplaces regularly. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-sell groups are filled with people practically giving away equipment just to get it out of their homes. A $2,000 treadmill may sell for $400 secondhand, and it works exactly the same as it did new.

Kitchen Appliances

Stand mixers, food processors, air fryers, and espresso machines all come with hefty price tags when purchased new. But these appliances are built to last, which makes them perfect candidates for secondhand shopping. Many people receive duplicates as gifts, upgrade to newer models, or buy appliances they rarely use. That means you can often find like-new condition items at steep discounts. High-end brands like KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Breville show up regularly in thrift stores and online marketplaces.

The savings can be substantial, especially on specialty items like bread makers or juicers that might sit unused in someone’s pantry. Just check that all parts and attachments are included before buying, and give it a quick test if possible.

Tools and Hardware

Quality tools are expensive, but they’re also incredibly durable, making them ideal for buying used. Power drills, saws, sanders, and hand tools from reputable brands can last decades with proper care. Contractors and DIY enthusiasts often upgrade their tools or downsize their collections, creating opportunities to snag professional-grade equipment at bargain prices. Estate sales are particularly good sources for finding well-maintained tool collections.

A cordless drill that costs $150 new may sell for $40 used, and it will likely outlast cheaper new alternatives. Hardware like clamps, levels, and measuring tools is even easier to buy secondhand since they have fewer moving parts to wear out. Smart ways to save money include knowing when buying used makes more sense than buying cheap and new.

Books and Textbooks

College textbooks have always been ridiculously overpriced, but now people are applying that same secondhand mindset to all kinds of books. Hardcover bestsellers, cookbooks, and reference books all cost significantly less when purchased used. Thrift stores, library sales, and online platforms like ThriftBooks or Better World Books offer huge selections at a fraction of retail prices.

A new hardcover release that costs $30 can often be found used for $5 or less within a few months of publication. The content is identical, and unless you’re particular about pristine condition, used books offer unbeatable value. Some people even buy used books, read them, and resell them for close to what they paid, making the actual cost nearly zero.

Baby Gear

Babies outgrow everything quickly, which makes baby items some of the best secondhand purchases you can make. Strollers, high chairs, cribs, changing tables, and toys often see only a few months of use before kids move on to the next stage. Parents are usually eager to clear out baby gear once their kids outgrow it, creating a robust secondhand market. Safety is obviously important, so you’ll want to avoid used car seats and check recalls on any gear you buy.

But items like play mats, bouncers, and swings are typically in great shape and cost a fraction of retail. A $300 stroller may sell for $75 used, and it functions exactly the same. With babies requiring constant new supplies as they grow, buying secondhand can save thousands of dollars in the first few years alone.

Musical Instruments

New instruments carry a premium that doesn’t always reflect quality, especially for beginners who aren’t sure they’ll stick with lessons. Guitars, keyboards, drums, and band instruments all hold their value well and can be found used at significant discounts. Music stores often have trade-in sections, and online marketplaces are full of instruments from people who tried to learn and gave up.

A beginner guitar that costs $400 new may sell for $150 used, giving kids a chance to try music without a huge financial commitment. Higher-end instruments also show up secondhand when musicians upgrade or switch instruments. The sound quality doesn’t degrade unless the instrument is damaged, making used options just as good as new for most players.

Outdoor and Camping Gear

Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and camping equipment can be incredibly expensive when purchased new, but they hold up well to use and are easy to inspect before buying. Many people buy camping gear for one trip and then never use it again, creating opportunities to find barely-used items at steep discounts. Outdoor gear from quality brands like Coleman, REI, or North Face lasts for years and performs just as well used as it did new.

A four-person tent that costs $200 retail may sell for $60 used, and as long as there are no tears or broken zippers, it will serve you just fine. Hiking boots, backpacks, and coolers are other items that show up regularly in great condition. People are finding surprising items to buy secondhand to save big without sacrificing quality.

Sporting Goods

Kids grow fast, and their interest in sports changes even faster, which makes sporting goods a goldmine for secondhand shopping. Baseball gloves, soccer cleats, hockey equipment, and tennis rackets all cost a fortune new, but they often see limited use before kids move on. Parents are usually happy to sell outgrown gear for reasonable prices just to reclaim storage space.

Adult sporting goods also show up frequently as people abandon hobbies or upgrade equipment. Golf clubs, skis, and bikes can all be found used at significant savings. A set of golf clubs that costs $800 new may sell for $200 used, and unless you’re a serious player, the difference in performance will be negligible. The key is knowing what to look for in terms of sizing and condition, but the savings make it worth learning.

Board Games and Puzzles

Board games have gotten ridiculously expensive, with many popular titles costing $40 to $60 or more. But games and puzzles are perfect for buying used since the gameplay doesn’t change, and pieces rarely go missing if the previous owner took care of them. Thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces are full of games that people played once or twice before losing interest.

You can often find complete sets for $5 to $10 that would cost five times that amount new. Puzzles are even easier to buy secondhand since you can usually verify all pieces are included before purchasing. For families looking to build a game collection without spending hundreds of dollars, shopping secondhand makes perfect sense. The entertainment value is identical, and you’re not paying for flashy packaging or retail markups.

How Secondhand Shopping Changed

Buying used items isn’t what it used to be. The stigma has largely disappeared as more people realize that used doesn’t mean worn out or low quality. Online marketplaces have made it easier than ever to find specific items, compare prices, and arrange local pickup. You’re no longer limited to whatever shows up at your nearest thrift store or garage sale.

The shift toward secondhand shopping also reflects changing attitudes about consumption and waste. People are more conscious about everyday expenses they can cut without feeling deprived, and buying quality used items checks that box perfectly. You get what you need, save significant money, and keep perfectly good products out of landfills.

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