Where to Buy Secondhand Children's Books in Australia (Online & In Person)
If your child loves books, you'll know how quickly they can outgrow them — or read the same one on repeat until you could recite it in your sleep. Buying secondhand children's books is a smart way to keep up with their ever-changing interests while saving money and reducing waste. Whether you're building a first library for a baby or stocking up for a voracious young reader, there are some brilliant options across Australia — both online and in person. Here's where to find them.
📦 Community Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace and local Buy/Swap/Sell groups are great starting points, especially for book bundles. You can often find large lots of age-appropriate books at very low prices — perfect for stocking up quickly. Search your local area and filter by children's books or specific age ranges.
Tips for buying from community marketplaces:
- Ask for photos of all pages if buying online
- Look for bundle deals — they offer the best value per book
- Check condition descriptions carefully and don't hesitate to ask questions
🏪 Op Shops & Charity Stores
Op shops are a hidden treasure trove for children's books — and prices are often as low as 50 cents to $2 per book. The selection changes constantly, so it's worth visiting regularly. Vinnies, Salvos, and local charity stores are all worth checking, and many have dedicated children's sections.
The downside is that you can't search by title or age range, so it takes a bit of patience — but the finds can be extraordinary.
📚 Local Libraries
Libraries are a fantastic free option for children's books — and many also sell withdrawn books at very low cost, often just a gold coin donation. Library book sales are a brilliant way to find quality titles in great condition for next to nothing.
Check your local council library's website for upcoming book sales, or ask at the front desk about their withdrawn stock.
🛍 Online Secondhand Children's Book Stores in Australia
Online stores make it easy to browse by age, interest, or title — all from the comfort of home. Here are the best options for Australian families:
- Daisy Chain Clothing — a growing range of affordable preloved children's books alongside baby and kids' clothing, making it easy to shop everything in one place. Every book is quality checked and shipped Australia-wide
- eBay Australia — great for bundles and bulk buys, with a wide range of titles available at competitive prices
- Book Grocer — large selection of books for all ages, including secondhand stock as well as new titles at discounted prices
- World of Books — large international selection with frequent discounts, though shipping times from overseas can vary
🎁 The Perfect Gift for Little Readers
If you're buying preloved books as a gift, consider pairing them with something truly special. Our Next Chapter Corner Bookmarks are lovingly handmade from preloved children's clothing that has already lived a childhood full of adventures. Instead of heading to landfill, the fabric begins a new chapter — helping your child mark their place in bedtime stories, school readers, and library books.
It's a gift that tells a story before the first page is even turned. 🌿
♻️ Why Secondhand Books Make Sense
- More affordable for families — build a rich home library without the retail price tag
- Reduces waste — keeps books out of landfill and in the hands of children who'll love them
- Encourages sharing and reuse — a wonderful value to model for little ones
- Makes building a home library accessible — even on a tight budget, every child can have a shelf full of stories
- Books hold up well — unlike clothing, books don't get outgrown physically. A well-loved picture book can last through multiple children and generations
Tips for Buying Secondhand Children's Books Online
- Check condition descriptions carefully — look for notes on any writing, torn pages, or water damage
- Buy by age range — most online stores let you filter by age, which saves time
- Board books for babies — these are particularly durable and hold up well to little hands. Preloved board books are often in excellent condition
- Look for bundle deals — buying a set of books at once is better value and gives your child a ready-made library
- Classic titles are always a good buy — The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Possum Magic, Where the Wild Things Are, and Hairy Maclary never go out of style
📚 Ready to build your child's preloved library?
Browse Daisy Chain Clothing's growing range of preloved children's books — quality checked, fairly priced, and shipped Australia-wide. And don't forget to add a Next Chapter Corner Bookmark — handmade from preloved children's clothing, for a gift that tells its own story. 🌿
Secondhand children's books are one of the best value purchases a parent can make — and with so many great options across Australia, there's no reason to always buy new. Whether you're browsing op shops on a Saturday morning or shopping online from the couch after bedtime, there's a preloved book out there waiting for your little reader.
At Daisy Chain Clothing, we're passionate about giving quality items a second life — from preloved baby and kids' clothing to children's books and handmade upcycled bookmarks. Happy reading! 📚🌿
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy secondhand children's books online in Australia?
Daisy Chain Clothing stocks a growing range of preloved children's books, quality checked and shipped Australia-wide. eBay Australia, Book Grocer, and World of Books are also good options for online secondhand book shopping.
Are secondhand children's books good quality?
Yes — books are durable and hold up well over time. Most preloved children's books are in excellent condition, especially board books and hardcovers. Always check the condition description before buying, and look for stores that quality check their stock.
What are the best secondhand books for babies?
Board books are ideal for babies and toddlers — they're sturdy, easy to handle, and hold up well to little hands. Classic titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and Possum Magic are always great choices preloved.
What makes a good gift for a child who loves reading?
A preloved book paired with one of our Next Chapter Corner Bookmarks makes a beautiful, sustainable gift. The bookmarks are lovingly handmade from preloved children's clothing — fabric that has already lived a childhood full of adventures, now beginning a new chapter as a bookmark for bedtime stories and school readers.
Is buying secondhand books better for the environment?
Yes — buying preloved books reduces demand for new printing and paper, keeps books out of landfill, and supports a circular economy. It's one of the simplest sustainable choices a family can make.