According to the Environmental Protection Agency, during the holidays Americans produce 1 million extra tons of trash. That includes everything from wasted leftovers (learn how you can reduce holiday food waste), to discarded gift wrap (learn how to wrap without waste here), to throwing away items that were replaced with new gifts.
But the holidays don’t have to be trashy.
Secondhand gifts are a great way to make use of resources that are already in the waste stream, and it gives a second life to something that would have been otherwise thrown away.
And I know what you’re thinking — “I can’t give someone a used gift!” — but just because something is secondhand, doesn’t make it any less worthy of gifting to someone special. If anything, it’s a more unique gift that cannot be found elsewhere or easily ordered with a click of a button.
Here are some of my favorite suggestions for secondhand gifts…
1. Clothing & Accessories
I buy almost all of my clothing secondhand which helps me to save money and gives me a closet that’s full of truly unique pieces.
When shopping for secondhand clothing, here are my top tips (Psst. Check out my full Guide to Secondhand Shopping!):
- I always look for simple, neutral, well-made pieces that I could imagine wearing multiple days in a row without having anyone notice (think: a black turtleneck, or a cream wool sweater). That way I can layer them, mix and match, and wear them over and over again for years. These pieces make great gifts because everyone love’s a good staple, aka they most likely won’t have to pretend to actually like it.
- I also look for items made from natural fibers—like cotton, silk, hemp, wool, and leather—which are naturally biodegradable. I stay away from synthetics fibers, which are bad for your skin (made from toxic ingredients), bad for the environment (typically made from petroleum which is chemical, water, and energy-intensive to extract), and bad for our oceans (learn more about microplastic pollution).
Secondhand accessories are also a great option for gifts because you don’t have to worry about sizing as much. If you’re unsure of someone’s sizing, I recommend steering away from rings, shoes, and clothing, and instead opt for handbags, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—which typically fit most people similarly.
Places to Shop for Secondhand Clothing & Accessories
The Real Real
Poshmark
Depop
Beacon’s Closet (NYC)
2. Art and Home Decor
If you have a person in your life who loves century pieces, vintage design, or little trinkets—thrifted art or home decor is a perfect gift option for them. I love finding and salvaging old paintings, vintage furniture pieces, unique glassware or cookware, and eyecatching decor like brass candlesticks and unique vases.
Places to Shop for Secondhand Art and Home Decor
Chairish
Local vintage shops and flea markets
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
Etsy
eBay
AptDeco
3. Refurbished Electronics
Electronic waste is totally trashy and toxic. Every year, 20 to 50 MILLION metric tons of electronics are disposed of worldwide, and aside from it being expensive to continuously buy new and wasteful in terms of resources, e-waste is also hazardous and extremely toxic to the environment. Rather than gifting someone a brand new electronic, consider buying something refurbished or secondhand—which reduces the amount of toxic e-waste that ends up in landfills each year, and often saves you money. A win win.
Places to Shop for Secondhand Electronics
Back Market
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
eBay
Psst. If you’re looking to dispose of old technology, there are a few options: If it’s still functioning, you can sell your electronics through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Back Market, or check to see if the manufacturer has a takeback program. And if your tech is unsalvageable, programs like TerraCycle and the LES Ecology Center recycling program are great options!
4. Vinyl Records
If you know someone who loves old school music, records are quite easy to find secondhand at local thrift stores or music shops!
Places to Shop for Secondhand Records
Local thrift stores or music shops
5. Books
Books make excellent gifts for both adults and children, plus they’re usually easy to find at local thrift stores, books shops (ask if they have a used section), or online (Tip: Make sure the pages are not highlighted or dog eared!) Not sure what books to get? Here are my favorites!
Places to Shop for Secondhand Books
Local thrift stores or book shops
Thriftbooks
Secondsale
Abebooks
6. Toys
If you’re shopping for a child, look for secondhand toys in your neighborhood! Be sure to probably wash them though before gifting.
Places to Shop for Secondhand Toys
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
eBay
OfferUp
