Back-to-School Shopping: Buying Secondhand School and Student Gear

Back-to-school costs add up quickly, and a surprising amount of school and student gear is barely used before it's outgrown or replaced — making this one of the best times of year to buy secondhand.

What's usually worth buying secondhand

• Backpacks and bags, especially higher-quality brands that hold up well and often show minimal wear.
• Calculators, especially graphing calculators for older students, which are expensive new and functionally identical secondhand.
• Musical instruments for school programs, which are frequently sold once a student moves on from a class or activity.
• Sports and PE equipment, uniforms, and gear tied to specific extracurriculars.
• Desks, chairs, and study lamps for setting up a home study space.

What to check before buying

• For electronics like calculators, confirm all functions work and batteries aren't corroded.
• For uniforms or branded gear, check sizing carefully since these are often bought again the following year regardless.
• Buy early rather than the week before term starts — both selection and prices tend to be better a few weeks ahead of peak demand.

Selling what your own kids have outgrown

The same seasonal surge in demand that makes buying secondhand smart also makes it a good time to sell items your own children no longer need — last year's backpack or an instrument they've moved on from is exactly what another family may be searching for right now.