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The silly season doesn’t have to mean more stuff, more spending and more waste. This year, why not give gifts that already exist?

Shopping pre-loved is kinder to the planet, easier on the wallet and full of character.

With more than 10,000 secondhand sales happening across Australia on 8-9 & 15-16 November and more than 2.5 million items listed, you'll find something for everyone on the Garage Sale Trail.

Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens, parents or grandparents, here are curated ideas to get you started...

For kids & tweens

• Pre-loved wooden or retro toys: think Fisher-Price classics, dolls’ houses, or Lego sets that can be re-boxed with love.
• Dress-up trunks: fill a thrifted suitcase with secondhand costumes, hats and accessories.
• Outdoor play gear: bikes, scooters, skipping ropes or cricket sets. Kids grow fast, so buying pre-loved keeps the fun affordable.
• Craft bundles: gather crayons, art pads, stencils and markers from op shops or garage sales into a DIY “Art Attack” kit.
• Musical instruments: keyboards, ukuleles, or recorders are often available in great condition and spark lifelong hobbies.
• Mini gardening kit: secondhand pots, gloves and seeds to help kids grow their own herbs or flowers.

Teens and young adults

• Vintage and Y2K fashion: think denim, cargo pants, band tees and 90s knitwear.
• Upcycled clothing kits: gift a thrifted jacket plus fabric paint, patches, or pins so they can customise it.
• Pre-loved accessories: sunglasses, handbags, jewellery or statement belts.
• Secondhand sneakers or boots: still a huge trend, especially retro Nike, Doc Martens and Converse.
• Retro gaming consoles or handhelds: classic Nintendo, PlayStation or Game Boys make great surprises.
• Film cameras or instant cameras: vintage photography is trending again.

Homebodies & Creatives

• Vintage glassware and crockery: coloured glass, patterned plates and mismatched cups are trending again. Perfect for entertainers or tea-lovers.
• Plant pot + greenery bundle: Match a pre-loved ceramic pot with a propagated plant. A living, low-waste gift that suits everyone from students to grandparents.
• Pre-loved cookbooks or kitchenware: Vintage recipe books, enamel bakeware or mixing bowls, ideal for home cooks rediscovering classics.
• DIY picnic set: Grab a pre-loved basket (literally every op shop sells one) and fill it up with vintage crockery, a thermos flask, table napkins and nan’s best knitted blanket to create a cute as a button picnic set.
• Classic books: Just like a good wine, classic books tend to get better with age. Keep your eyes peeled for the classics and consider the categories too - from vintage cookbooks for foodie friends to gardening bibles for the green thumbed, there’s something for everyone.

Fashion lovers

• Retro accessories: vintage handbags, sunglasses, scarves or costume jewellery.
• Statement knitwear: cashmere, oversized cardigans, crochet pieces and mohair jumpers. A bold print or handmade piece feels both nostalgic and luxe.
• Y2K & 90s revival: cargo pants, slip dresses, band tees and retro sneakers are still huge. Great for teens, students and the nostalgia-driven alike.
• Sewing machines or haberdashery bundles: often found secondhand and perfect for hobbyists rediscovering old skills.

Outdoorsy types

• Retro picnic hampers or eskies – 70s and 80s coolers are making a comeback.
• Secondhand bikes or surfboards: great for teens and active adults alike.
• Gardening bundles: quality secondhand tools, gloves and a plant. All can be found on the trail.
• Outdoor furniture or BBQ sets: vintage deck chairs, enamel mugs or serving ware.
• Adventure experience: include a thrifted item (like a thermos or daypack) plus a note for a future day hike or beach trip.

Last but not least, some pre-loved gift tips:

• Make a list, set a budget and stick to it.
• As well as garage sales, look to local op shops, secondhand stores and online marketplaces.
• Presentation is everything. Wash and iron clothes, collect old boxes and tins to display gifts in and keep an eye out for fabric remnants that could double up as reusable wrapping paper.
• Consider using a local repair cafe, Men’s Shed or dry cleaners to get items back in tiptop shape before you gift them.

Ready to hit the trail?

Garage Sale Trail 2025 is happening on 8-9 & 15-16 November, Australia-wide.

👉 Search the map to find sales near you.