Hidden Treasure Helsinki

Second hand shoppingland

In a documentary about Syrian refugees in Sweden they were surprised in a good way about how everything is recycled in Sweden. It's almost the same in Finland, but we need to work a bit harder here. Kierrätyskeskus - recycle centre - is a perfect spot for recycle anything, and to buy recycled items.

One man's trash is other man's treasure. Especially in this world where the seas and it's animals are chocking in plastic bags, the nature has been poisoned and the world economy is jumping up and down - rather down. This is when recycling has started to rise its head more and more. Like mentioned, Kierrätyskeskus is a perfect place in Helsinki to recycle or buy recycled things as in Kierrätyskeskus there are actually people working on it that the products are finding their new home working - yes they are ever repairing things and then selling them for price that anyone can afford. With recycled products the best part is that they are living alredy their second or even third life, so if they have lasted for so long, they are not one-use products. Which nowadays is the problem: you buy a new thing and ka-boom, after a couple of use it's unusable and you have to take it back and all that hassle. No thanks.

And who has the money to spend on items which won't last? And why would you anyway when you have recycled products.

One good thing to spot and shop from second hand shops are Finnish brand Arabia's tableware. Arabia's tableware are something all of us Finns have memories from and they have been over hundred years a strong part of Finnish homes and are a great example of Finnish design. Most of our respected designers have left their handprints in Arabia tableware. Also Iittala is as famous as Arabia.

You can find Arabia's tableware as low as 50c and the prices can rise up over 100€ even in second hand, but honestly, some of these items are over 100 years old. And they have been made in Finland until these past few years - now they're made in Thailand thanks to that World economy. So this is the reason you should also buy Arabia's tableware as vintage.

And what comes for Finnish clothing: apparently back in the days Finns have had a great sence of style. Good places to have time travel are second hand shops Ansa, Ruutu Rouva and Frida Marina which is my absolutely favorite. Ofcourse you can find old clothes from other second hand shops as well but these are specialized shops for vintage clothing with a good sence of style.

Here's a list for you to help do tour de second hand shopping in Helsinki

Everything

Kierrätyskeskus

Fida

Vallilan Stoori (also cafe and used vilyls!)

Vintage clothing

Self-service