Forget Thrift Stores - ‘Gift Economy' Groups Are the New Way to Score Free Stuff
Thrifting is a budget-friendly way to get something for less, but a new trend is popping up across the country that lets you trade for new items for free. Local free-trading groups are being organized online and in cities everywhere as people look for a new way to save on the things they want or need.
If you're interested in finding or starting a gifting group in your area, I have tips below to help you be successful and stay safe.
What Is A Free Trade Group
As things get more expensive, people are finding new ways to get rid of things they don't need while getting things they do. That's the biggest appeal of these trading and gifting groups. The number one rule is that no money is exchanged. The spirit of the group is that people can help each other out without needing reciprocation.
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Where To Find These Groups
While there are plenty of free trade groups on social media, Facebook being the biggest platform, the Buy Nothing Project is an app you can download and connect without tying yourself to another social media account.
It's worth noting that you can join groups for free, but you need a Pro membership to create one. Buy Nothing calls this out on its subscription page: Pro members get a leaf badge on their profile and early access to new features.
Other platforms like Freecycle don't charge for use. This platform has nearly 5,000 groups and over 8 million users, helping each other on a budget and with items out of landfills. It's a non-profit, and local groups are monitored by volunteers. Trash Nothing is another free option.
If these specific platforms aren't your thing, there's always the option to search for groups and events through social media.
Find A Group On Social Media
Facebook is the most prominent platform for creating and finding unofficial groups that aren't associated with the ‘Buy Nothing Project'. You can search for an existing group or create one of your own.
If you do start a group, don't use the phrase ‘Buy Nothing' as the Buy Nothing Project has had multiple groups shut down for violating its trademark.
If you aren't in a group, you can also find single events on Instagram or TikTok. Just go to that platform and search "Buy Nothing" and the name of your city.
For TikTok: I searched "Buy Nothing Los Angeles" on the app and the desktop. On the desktop, I wasn't able to filter by date, but in the app I could filter and find posts within a specific time frame.
For Instagram: I searched for "Buy Nothing Los Angeles," but there were no filter options, even though individual posts did appear.
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Safety First
The spirit behind these groups is people helping people, but don't get completely swept up in that and forget safety. Make sure you follow safety protocols, like always meeting someone in a well-lit, public space with plenty of other people around. Meet during the day. If the other person is acting sketchy, it's best to just abandon the trade.
Will You Try It?
If you're in the market for something new and haven't considered a free trade group before, this is your opportunity. Not only can you find something you need or want for free, but you'll also contribute to more sustainability overall.
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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 10:56 PM.