5 Things You Should Stop Buying New: Affordable Secondhand Finds in Eau Claire

By Meg Ann Lee | November 16, 2025 | Comments Off on 5 Things You Should Stop Buying New: Affordable Secondhand Finds in Eau Claire

Hey, it's Meg Ann Lee - and we've officially reached the last post of my no-buy challenge series! I know, I know… you're all just waiting for the holiday gift guide, and don't worry, it's coming. But before we jump into festive shopping season, I want to wrap things up with a simple shift that saves money, cuts down on clutter, and keeps our community thriving: buying certain everyday items secondhand and LOCAL.

This isn't about never shopping new again. It's about buying new from local shops and small businesses when it matters - and realizing how many things you can grab secondhand without sacrificing quality or style. The world is already full of great items just waiting for a second life.

Here are five categories that are almost always worth finding secondhand-plus local places around the Chippewa Valley where you can actually go look.

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1. Home Decor & Seasonal Items

Wall art, vases, frames, baskets, trays, holiday decor, storage solutions.
These are everywhere secondhand and usually look brand new.

Local spots:

  • Goodwill - Eau Claire

  • Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center - Eau Claire

  • The Shed - Altoona

  • The Attic - Eau Claire

 

2. Books & Cookbooks

If you read even semi-regularly, buying new adds up fast.
Secondhand copies are usually a few dollars.

Local spots:

  • Amanita Book Shop - Eau Claire

  • Dotters Books- Eau Claire (new)

  • The Local Store - Volume One (new + local authors)

3. Kids' Clothing & Toys

They outgrow everything in five minutes anyway, right?

Local spots:

  • Once Upon a Child - Eau Claire

  • Here We Grow Again- Eau Claire

 

4. Dishes, Mugs & Kitchenware

Mixing bowls, glassware, utensils, bakeware-secondhand is usually just as good. THIS category is a MUST because people really be donating good quality item I STG!!

Local spots:

  • Hope Gospel Mission - Eau Claire

  • Savers - Eau Claire

  • The Shed - Altoona

5. Jackets, Coats & Sweaters

Fall and winter wear is incredibly easy to find secondhand-and high quality. I seriously haven't bought i brand NEW coat in AGES.

Local spots:

  • Eau Claire Vintage - Eau Claire

  • Seven Suns Vintage- Eau Claire

  • Savers- Eau Claire

  • Shine on - Eau claire

Thanks for sticking with me through this whole challenge. Not buying new for a whole year really changed how I see my wardrobe, my spending habits, and what I actually use. It made me really want to keep my dollars LOCAL and support my community small business owners!

Next up, i'll be back to my regular makeup reviews and holiday gift guides. Until then, happy thrifting, happy browsing, and happy intentional spending <3

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