Secondhand shopping is more than just a trend—it’s a way to save money, reduce waste, and teach kids valuable life lessons about sustainability that will, hopefully, inform the way they think about the world. But let’s face it - getting our kids excited about anything that isn’t shiny, new, or trending can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

So how can you make secondhand shopping something they actually enjoy? We’ve put together some creative tips to not only involve your kids in secondhand shopping but to also make it a meaningful and fun experience for the whole family.

Why Introduce Kids to Secondhand Shopping?

Before we dive into the 'how', let’s talk about the 'why':

1. Teaches Sustainability & Conscious Consumption: shopping secondhand/preloved helps reduce waste and shows our children the importance of making slower, more considered choices, while avoiding mindless overconsumption.
2. Encourages Creativity: searching for hidden gems is like a treasure hunt! It sparks creativity and an appreciation for unique items.
3. Saves Money: kids outgrow things fast - whether it's clothes or toys. Secondhand helps you stretch your budget while still giving them what they need.
4. Teaches the value or items: learning to appreciate preloved items, where things have come from, who made it & often the craftsmanship behind items, fosters gratitude and reduces materialism.

1. Start with a Story: The Journey of Preloved Items

Kids love stories. Tell them how secondhand items have their own history. For example: “This toy might have been someone’s favourite! Imagine all the adventures it’s already been on.” or “These shoes were only worn a few times—now they’re ready for your next big adventure. Imagine all the memories you'll make in them!”

Make secondhand items feel special and exciting and reframe them being seen as just “used.”

2. Turn It into a Treasure Hunt

Frame the experience as a fun challenge. Whether you’re shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, or on a secondhand marketplace app (like ours!), turn it into a game:

• Set a Theme: Look for items related to their favorite characters, colors, or hobbies.
• Create a Wishlist: Ask them to write or draw items they want to find. Then work together to find them.
• Make It Competitive: Who can find the coolest item for under $10?

3. Give Them Ownership of Their Style

Let your kids feel like they’re in control of their choices. Secondhand shopping is a great opportunity for them to experiment with their own personal style without breaking the bank.

• Encourage them to pick out their own outfits or accessories.
• Show them how to mix and match preloved finds with pieces they already own.
• Compliment their choices to boost confidence!

4. Teach the Value of Giving Back

Secondhand shopping isn’t just about buying—it’s also about giving. Involve your kids in decluttering their own clothes, toys, or books.

• Host donation days: let them choose which items they no longer use and explain how those items will help other kids.
• Set goals: for every item they donate, they can earn “points” toward something they'd like to buy secondhand.
• Include them in the drop-off or resale: show them where their items are going - whether it's a charity shop or an organisation - they can feel proud of the impact first-hand. It's also valuable to teach them (if they're the right age) how to sell secondhand remotely.

5. Use Secondhand for DIY Projects

Secondhand finds are perfect for DIY activities. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with preloved items!

• Turn old clothes into costumes or craft projects.
• Upcycle furniture or décor for their room.
• Create “mystery bags” of secondhand toys or craft supplies and let them come up with something new.

6. Explore Online Secondhand Marketplaces

Visiting vintage shops, sample sales, swap shops, markets etc are all great and really add to the experience of finding those preloved gems. But you could also involve your children when buying or selling preloved online. Platforms like Young Loved make it easy to browse, buy and sell from the comfort of your home.

• Set a budget: teach them the value of money by letting them shop within a set limit.
• Search together: use filters to find exactly what they’re looking for.
• Encourage selling: if they’ve outgrown something, help them list it for sale to fund their next purchase.

7. Celebrate Your Finds

Once you’ve scored some amazing preloved items, make it a big deal!

• Show it off: encourage your kids to share their finds with friends or on social media.
• Create a “Find of the Month” Challenge: celebrate the coolest item they’ve discovered that month.
• Tell stories together: If your kid finds a unique item, imagine where it might have come from or who used it before.

8. Lead by Example

Kids mimic what they see. If you’re enthusiastic about secondhand/preloved, they’ll likely follow suit.

• Show them your own favourite preloved finds.
• Explain how shopping secondhand helps the planet.
• Let them see you having fun while doing it!

It's a lifestyle.

Engaging your kids in secondhand is about more than just saving money—it’s a tangible way to teach them about sustainability, creativity, and community. By making the experience fun, educational, and rewarding, you’re setting the foundation for habits they’ll carry into adulthood.