12 Days of Underconsumption is a special series from one5c laying out everything you need to know to celebrate more sustainably.
12 Days of Underconsumption is a special series from one5c laying out everything you need to know to celebrate more sustainably.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying gifts and being sustainable. We all know that less stuff for us means more 💚 for the Earth, so when we’re thinking about physical gifts, the best thing to do is shop secondhand. This advice spans categories, so it’s nearly impossible to quantify the planet-saving potential of opting for preowned wares, but we do have indicators: For example, if every consumer bought a single secondhand garment instead of a new one, it would be equivalent to 76 million people leaving their cars at home for a day, and would save some 23 billion gallons of water and 4 billion kilowatt-hours of energy.
But, while it’s true that buying what’s old means burning fewer resources and less stuff becoming waste, it’s also true that counting on the thrift to deliver exactly what’s on your list can feel like a treasure hunt—and not the fun kind. What secondhand shopping generally lacks is one reliable online mecca that acts like a 1:1 replacement for an Amazon or Target, but there are marketplaces that specialize in specific types of goods. So, we rounded up the best sites for a range of popular categories, including outdoor gear, electronics, toys, clothes, and more.
Before we dive in, a quick PSA: In our experience, gift shopping this way has to happen in a kind of sweet spot. You have to be close enough to the holiday to be inside the return window (if there is one), but also far enough out to not have to fall back on rush shipping, which can up the emissions associated with scoring a secondhand gem. That time is now.
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For Electronics: Back Market
E-waste is the fastest-growing stream of trash in the world, but many castoff laptops, iPads, headphones, and more are just in need of a little TLC. All items Back Market sells are professionally refurbished, returnable within 30 days, and come with a one-year warranty. The inventory has all the top brands—including perennial wish list favorites like Dyson blow-dryers.
Also great: Manufacturers’ refurbished. If you’re a little nervous about a secondhand market, you can buy preowned devices directly from brands, including Apple and Microsoft. In Apple’s case, items might still be covered by an existing Apple Care plan or other warranty.
For Outdoor Gear: Geartrade
This consignment shop can outfit almost any outdoorsy or athletic hobby—from hiking and flyfishing to biking and skateboarding. Outdoor lovers send their used kit to Geartrade’s warehouses, where its team inspects wares to ensure no one shells out for skis or skates that have seen better days. If you do end up disappointed, the site has a 14-day “no-questions-asked” return policy.
Also great: REI. One of the biggest names in outdoor gear also runs a pretty robust resale program. You can also trade in old items and receive a gift certificate—perfect for cleaning out what you don’t need and finding affordable treats for outdoorsy loved ones.
For Clothes & Accessories: ThredUp
ThredUp organizes, assesses, and photographs items without the complications of peer-to-peer thrifting apps like Poshmark and Depop. Most of its listings include several images and honest ratings of an item’s quality in plain terms like “some wear” or “flawed gem.” If something doesn’t work out, you can send back purchases within 14 days for a refund or in exchange for another item.
Also great: The RealReal. This luxury consignment shop is best for splurgier brands like Cartier and Chanel. Its team carefully vets every item and rates them on a scale from “as is” to “pristine.” If you purchase a gift here and want to return or exchange it, you can do so in 14 days.
For Art & Decor: AptDeco
AptDeco acts like a matchmaker for buyers and sellers of used decor and furnishings. Sellers list their preloved gems, and the site’s team makes sure photos and details are all in tiptop shape. Once an item’s purchased, they handle the transaction and can even hire professional couriers to schlep stuff from door to door. After delivery, buyers have 48 hours to report problems—but if you decide against a certain painting or chair later, you can relist it for free within 30 days.
Also great: OfferUp. This peer-to-peer site can be overwhelming at times, but it is a treasure trove for home decor. That said, it comes with the pitfalls of an eBay-like marketplace; for example, not all sellers offer returns.
For Toys & Games: Toycycle
Like ThredUp does for clothes, Toycycle is a centralized clearinghouse for preloved playthings. The site’s inspectors check toys twice: once when an item arrives at the warehouse and once before it goes out the door. The shop also cleans everything it sells. For extra peace of mind, the site stays up to date on safety, so you won’t accidentally buy something that’s been recalled.
Also great: GoodBuy Gear. This shop handles all manner of kiddie gear, including things like car seats, but it does have a good selection of toys for the younger set. There’s a return and cancellation policy available for several scenarios, including receiving damaged or incorrect items.
For Books & Media: ThriftBooks
This mega secondhand shop—which they claim is the world’s biggest used bookseller—is a perfect source for all things media. It sources a lot of its books from charities like thrift shops and libraries, and its staff hand-grades their quality. Buyers enjoy a 30-day return policy if they receive a wrong or damaged item. The site’s easy to navigate, and the robust entertainment section not only includes DVDs and vinyls but video games, too.
Also great: Better World Books. Though it’s not exclusively a secondhand shop, Better World Books does maintain a robust collection of preloved tomes. The company funds literacy initiatives across the globe, accepts donations via dropboxes in the U.S. and U.K., and also recycles any books that don’t find a new home.
Updated 12/11/24: This post has been updated with a new “Also great” pick for books; a prior version recommended AbeBooks.