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Homeschoolers, let’s talk about one of the best hidden gems out there: “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook. These hyper-local groups are where neighbors gift items to each other—for free! No strings attached, just good old community sharing. And for homeschooling families, these groups can be a total game-changer.
The way that it works is, somebody in your local area posts a picture of something that they want to give away. You, and others, comment “Interested” and then someone is chosen to pick the item up. The person giving the item away typically leaves the item at their front door with the giftee’s name on it.
From a never-ending supply of pencils and crayons (can we ever have enough of those?) to sturdy three-ring binders, erasers, and jars for science experiments, these groups offer everything a homeschool family could wish for. Craft kits, half-used packs of colored paper, and even random items like paintbrushes or clay tools can pop up unexpectedly, ready to be claimed by someone who can put them to good use.
And it doesn’t stop with small items. Some of the real treasures for homeschoolers include things like power tools, woodworking supplies, and even spare building materials—perfect for adding a hands-on, shop-class vibe to your homeschool days. For parents looking to build real-world skills (without busting the budget), these groups can provide that shop class experience right in your garage or backyard.
The beauty of it all is that these items come from people right in your neighborhood who’d rather see their unused stuff go to a family who will use it than just donating it to a large store. This community approach makes it personal, practical, and sustainable, turning unwanted items into useful resources and saving money for families who need it.
Not only can you get great items that other people want to get rid of, but you can also share your unwanted items with others that may be searching for YOUR unwanted treasures!
So, if you haven’t joined your local “Buy Nothing” group yet, go check it out! You’ll be amazed at what’s out there just waiting to be picked up. And who knows—you might even make a few connections with other families while you’re at it!
