Let’s be honest—some stuff just doesn’t need to be fresh out of the box because, despite what you might’ve heard, brand new isn’t always better. There are plenty of things you could get second-hand that work just as well (or even better) and they also cost way less. Here are fourteen things that make way more sense to buy used. There’s no shame in doing so because it’s really quite smart.
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Cast Iron Skillets
If you see a crusty-looking skillet at a yard sale, you should get it because it’s probably seasoned better than any store-bought pan. Cast iron lasts forever & it actually improves the more you use it, so with a bit of scrubbing and a little oil, you’ll be in business. Look for names like Griswold or Wagner—they’re collector favorites and cook beautifully, although even the no-name ones are usually great.
Hand Tools
That $2 wrench from your neighbor’s garage sale might just be the toughest tool in your shed, as a lot of older tools were built to be much more reliable than modern ones. In fact, newer models often feel flimsy in comparison, so as long as the used one isn’t too rusty, it probably still has years of work left in it. Simply give those pieces a little WD-40 and they’ll probably outlive whatever job you bought them for.
Wooden Furniture
You should keep an eye on any dressers that have been around since the ’70s because, if they’re solid wood, they’ll likely outlast the IKEA stuff. It doesn’t even matter if they’re a little scratched up because you could just sand or paint them. Older furniture was usually made to last, and you won’t find that in most budget furniture today—once you clean it up, no one will guess you got it second-hand.
Musical Instruments
There are plenty of barely-used guitars and violins sitting in closets across the country, so why buy new when you could scoop up something pre-loved at half the price? Instruments don’t usually wear out quickly and, sometimes, they actually sound better with age, as long as they’re not warped or cracked. You should ask when it was last tuned or serviced and bring someone with experience if you’re unsure about the piece.
Picture Frames
Buying new frames feels like a scam once you realize how many there are in thrift shops, just waiting to be used—Big, small, wood, metal, you name it. The most you’ll have to do is give them a quick coat of spray paint, then pop your art in and you’ll save $20 without trying. Frames for large art are often rather expensive when you buy them new, so keep a list of your art’s measurements on your phone. This way, you’ll be ready when you spot one that fits.
Camping Gear
Lots of people go on one camping trip and then ditch their gear forever, but their loss is your gain. Simply double-check the zippers and make sure nothing smells like feet—if it all looks fine, then you’re good to go for a weekend in the woods without paying full price. You should try to go for brand names like Coleman or REI because they’re known for their quality.
Board Games
If the board games still have all their pieces, why not get them used? Plenty of families donate board games after playing them once or twice and yes, the boxes are sometimes a little beat-up, but that shouldn’t affect how much fun you have. In fact, you might even find older versions with cooler designs or rules they don’t include anymore. Just make sure you always open the box & do a quick piece count, as you don’t want to miss anything.
Bicycle Frames
Bikes often cost a lot, but the frame is really all you need to worry about and if you find one in good shape, you could just swap in new tires, seat & pedals without much effort. Keep an eye out for any weird bends or cracks, especially near welds—you should also look up the frame’s brand and size to make sure it fits you. Sometimes, people sell their whole bike just because one thing broke or they upgraded, yet it takes a little elbow grease to make it better.
Baby Clothes
Any parent will tell you that babies don’t wear their clothes for more than five minutes before they outgrow them—that’s why most second-hand baby outfits look basically brand new. They’re also a lot softer from all the washing, so you should save your cash for buying diapers. Baby shoes are usually spotless too, since most kids don’t even walk before they size out. Make sure you wash everything before use, though.
Sports Equipment for Kids
Speaking of kids, they also outgrow sports equipment faster than you can blink, meaning that it’s a waste of money to buy brand new gear they’ll only use for one season. Second-hand sporting goods stores have all sorts of equipment for your little ones that’s been used just a few times. If you need stuff for team sports, you’ll usually get full uniforms or practice gear for next to nothing, which is great for those kids who try a new sport and quit by week three.
Yarn and Sewing Supplies
Anyone who loves crafting will eventually run out of space—or interest—and that’s where you come in. You’ll often find yarn and fabric in thrift shops for dirt cheap and there’s really no point paying $6 for a new ball of yarn when you can get a whole tote for $10. If you’re lucky, you might even find bundles of thread or buttons, as well as random fabric scraps for small projects.
Office Chairs
New ergonomic chairs are much too expensive, while used ones from an office clearance are far cheaper—you could find high-end brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase being sold off in bulk. Sure, there might be a scratch on the armrest, but your back won’t care, as long as it still adjusts like it should. You’ll need to sit in it for a few minutes to check for wobbles or weird noises, then clean it at home with a lint roller & disinfectant spray.
Vintage Pyrex and Bakeware
Any budding bakers out there will know the good stuff and understand how old-school Pyrex is able to take the heat—it’s also much tougher than a lot of new glass bakeware. Thrift shops and estate sales are your best bet, just make sure you check for chips. You could even find specific patterns like “Butterprint” or “Gooseberry,” which are great for cooking and clean up easily in the dishwasher.
Mirrors
Mirrors are another thing that are practically everywhere in thrift shops & yard sales, whether that’s big wall mirrors, decorative ones—even mirrored closet doors could be easily repurposed. A little cleaning or a fresh coat of paint on the frame is usually all it takes to make them look brand new. The used ones work just the same and come in whatever style you’re looking for.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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