Numeral candle, $1

Candles have existed since ancient times so it’s easy to think of them as one of life’s more innocuous little luxuries. But in the modern world, most candles are made from palm wax (from palm tree plantations for which rainforests are cleared) or paraffin wax (from non-renewable crude oil). So it’s well worth stocking up on candles whenever you’re at the op shop, as a standby for blackouts and birthdays. Scented and gift-boxed candles are also commonly available, especially in op shops in neighborhoods where a chemist or crazy bargain shop has closed down in recent memory.