Is It Better To Buy Baby Gear From A Thrift Store Or Online?

Buying baby gear secondhand is one of the smartest ways parents save money and reduce waste. But where you shop matters just as much as what you buy. Many parents find themselves deciding between a local thrift store, Facebook Marketplace or an online resale site. All three have their place, but they offer very different experiences.

Here’s how to think through the decision as a parent.

The Short Answer

It depends on what you value most. Thrift stores can be great for browsing and scoring simple items at low prices, like clothing and shoes. Facebook Marketplace can be a convenient way to find hand-me-downs from other families nearby. Online resale sites tend to offer more consistency, better selection of premium brands and higher ticket items, along with peace of mind that the gear has been inspected.

Let’s break it down.

Buying Baby Gear From a Thrift Store

Thrift stores are often the first stop parents think of when shopping secondhand. 

What parents like

• Low upfront prices
• The ability to see and try items in person
• Supporting local resale and donation programs
  

What to keep in mind

• Inventory is unpredictable and limited to what’s donated locally
• Gear is typically sold as-is with minimal inspection
• Little to no information about item history, recalls or usage
• No returns if something doesn’t work out at home
  

Thrift stores tend to work best for low-risk, simple items like toys, books or basic clothing — things where wear and tear or missing parts are easy to spot.

Buying Baby Gear From Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular option for parents looking for affordable gear from other families in their area.

What parents like

• Often low and negotiable prices 
• Items available nearby for quick pickup
• Buying directly from another parent (usually)

What to keep in mind

• No standard quality checks or inspections
• You are relying on the seller’s description and honesty
• Higher risk of items missing parts or being misrepresented
• A lot of back-and-forth messaging and coordination
• No buyer protections or returns
  

Marketplace can be a good option for simple items from families you know. But for everyday gear or anything with safety standards, the unknowns can add stress. Especially with a newborn in your arms, dealing with back-and-forth messages, price negotiations and coordinating pickup times is not always realistic.

Buying Baby Gear From an Online Resale Site

Online resale platforms, like GoodBuy Gear, are designed specifically for parents shopping for premium baby and kid gear without the high price tag. This changes the experience entirely.

What parents like

• Access to a much larger, nationwide selection
• Filters by brand, category and condition
• Clear photos and detailed descriptions 
• A wide range of conditions (overstock, open box, gently used, loved)
• Shipping directly to your door
• Access to premium brands at lower prices 
• Quality checks and safety inspections for all items 

What to keep in mind

• Prices may be slightly higher than a thrift store
• Popular items can sell quickly 

For items like strollers, carriers, swings and other gear your little one will use daily, many parents prefer online resale because it removes a lot of guesswork. If you shop at stores like GoodBuy Gear, you can shop confidently knowing your item has been thoroughly inspected and cleaned.

Which Option Makes Sense For Your Family?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. As parents ourselves, we often recommend thinking about risk and how the item will be used.

• Every day or big ticket items → Online resale
• Clothing, toys and lower-value items → Thrift stores or Marketplace
• Specific brands or models → Online resale

At GoodBuy Gear, we see many families start with thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace and eventually move online once they realize how much time and uncertainty it can save.

We love thrift shopping and believe a mix of options works best. Shopping in-store for clothing and books can be fun and affordable. But when it comes to big-ticket gear with safety considerations, many parents prefer shopping with a reputable reseller so they can feel confident bringing that gear home.

Bottom Line

Both thrift stores and online resale sites support sustainable parenting. The better option is the one that fits your comfort level, timeline and how much reliability you need from the gear.

If you’re shopping for items your little one will use daily, online resale often provides the confidence and consistency parents are looking for, without paying full retail.