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Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales are basically new versions of ancient archeological sites.

Upon entering them, you never know what you're gonna find and hours later, it's usually one of the two: either you leave empty-handed, asking yourself why spend so much time for nothing, or come across a hidden gem that makes even those disappointing endeavors worth it.

Interestingly, the Facebook group 'Vintage and weird things you have found' has the best of both. Its 185K members regularly share pictures of their most memorable discoveries, and if they don't inspire you to check out your local second-hand store, honestly, I don't know what will.

More info: Facebook

#2

When You’re Lucky Enough To Wake Up At 3 Am To Use The Bathroom And Log Onto Facebook Marketplace And Find The Camper Of Your Dreams That You Wanted For Years

When You’re Lucky Enough To Wake Up At 3 Am To Use The Bathroom And Log Onto Facebook Marketplace And Find The Camper Of Your Dreams That You Wanted For Years

And that was only listed for 11 minutes

Rayann Fatizzi Report

Chances are, online groups like 'Vintage and weird things you have found' are going to be getting more and more content. As inflation continues driving shoppers to reach deep into their pockets, many are doing what they can to make or save some extra cash. One of those options is second-hand selling and shopping.

"We purchase 200-300 items every single day," Style Encore at Lake Charles, Louisiana, owner Stacey Buller said. An industry that was hurting during the height of the pandemic is now seeing more business with inflation-propelled costs.

#3

I Scored This Stunning Deep Scarlett Victorian Gown Exactly My Size!!

I Scored This Stunning Deep Scarlett Victorian Gown Exactly My Size!!

Jennifer Charlotte Marie Blowes Report

#4

My Husband Was Pretty Much Paid $40 To Remove This From Someone’s Home

My Husband Was Pretty Much Paid $40 To Remove This From Someone’s Home

Jessica Halsch Report

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Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has to be the luckiest find ever!! It would be hard to find anything like it.

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#5

Trash Picked This Mcm Accordion Front TV Stand And Made A Dog Bed Out Of It!

Trash Picked This Mcm Accordion Front TV Stand And Made A Dog Bed Out Of It!

Notice Blackie in the same pose as in the painting above

Stacey Schultz Report

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"During Covid, it was pretty slow but then within the past couple of months, we've seen our foot traffic get heavier and heavier," Buller explained.

The market for bargains is growing and Buller said women are coming in looking for anything from work to athletic clothes.

"Ladies come in to look for a dress for church or their casual clothing, their athletic, a lot of people are getting back into the gyms."

#6

Found This Unique Table While Thrifting. Very Intricate

Found This Unique Table While Thrifting. Very Intricate

Edit: Yes, I am aware that this is a ouija board. Yes, it came home with me. I’m simply an oddity collector. No one is summoning demons in my house.

Danielle Osburn Report

#7

I Found This Beautiful Royal Sealy Teacup

I Found This Beautiful Royal Sealy Teacup

It has a bit of what looks like glue on the plate and side of cup. But other than that, beautiful! I can’t wait to drink out of it. (I know it probably has lead. I don’t care)

Roxanne Francine McClatchy Report

#8

Look What I Got Today. I Have Wanted A Vanity Like This Since I Was About 12

Look What I Got Today. I Have Wanted A Vanity Like This Since I Was About 12

Cheryl Cross Odland Report

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#9

I Recently Found 4 Sketches By Norman Bridwell Author Of Clifford The Big Red Dog

I Recently Found 4 Sketches By Norman Bridwell Author Of Clifford The Big Red Dog

They are approximately 30 x 19 inches, they were laminated when I found them. They were given to a school after he did a talk there

Bill DiGiovanni Report

Inflation price hikes are leaving many customers questioning, why pay full when there are racks and racks of steals and deals at second-hand stores?

"A lot of ladies are coming in to sell for that quick cash, or they're even shopping. All of our prices are 50-90% below retail of the big box stores so they can get a really, really good deal," Buller added.

#11

Here I Am In My Backyard In Last Saturday's Work Ensem, Which Is Basically A Dress (With A Full Petticoat Underneath) Over A Skirt

Here I Am In My Backyard In Last Saturday's Work Ensem, Which Is Basically A Dress (With A Full Petticoat Underneath) Over A Skirt

The vintage parts are the thrifted hat and gloves. All other parts (except for the skirt) were also thrifted, as was Kalmah's hat

Michelle Trebilco Report

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#13

I Acquired This Ladies Art Deco Dresser Set And Think It’s Absolutely Fabulous

I Acquired This Ladies Art Deco Dresser Set And Think It’s Absolutely Fabulous

Tammy Schoch Report

But it's not just the physical stores where people can make an extra buck. An average American has 36 unwanted items in their homes, worth $3,675, that they could turn into cash, according to a 2021 report by online marketplace eBay.

The document took a look at what motivated its sellers of secondhand products over the past year, and learned that a majority of sellers who were new to eBay said they began selling pre-owned goods to simply make some cash.

#14

I Now Have A Stone Apple To Go With The Stone Watermelon Slice And Stone Egg. Don’t Ask What I’m Doing With My Life, I Have No Idea

I Now Have A Stone Apple To Go With The Stone Watermelon Slice And Stone Egg. Don’t Ask What I’m Doing With My Life, I Have No Idea

Sabrina Schwartz Avalon Report

#15

Kenneth Jay Lane 1960s Whimsical Starburst Ruby And Diamond Faux Costume Brooch In Immaculate Condition 3.99...

Kenneth Jay Lane 1960s Whimsical Starburst Ruby And Diamond Faux Costume Brooch In Immaculate Condition 3.99...

Christina Johnson Mooneyham Report

#17

Maybe Not The Most Practical Purchase Ever, But Saw The Giraffe In Goodwill Today And Couldn't Stop Thinking About Him

Maybe Not The Most Practical Purchase Ever, But Saw The Giraffe In Goodwill Today And Couldn't Stop Thinking About Him

Dawn Genzlinger Rutt Report

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The report reflects that the pandemic caused more people to buy and sell on its platform. Fourth-quarter revenue in 2020 was up 28% and gross merchandise volume - the value of the goods sold on the platform - was up 21%. For the full year, revenue was up 19% and gross merchandise volume was up 17%, to over $100 billion.

#19

Found This Beauty Literally On The Side Of The Road In A Pile Of Free Stuff

Found This Beauty Literally On The Side Of The Road In A Pile Of Free Stuff

Sue Sudekum Report

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TonyTee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My ideal kind of chair 👌🏻 Looks pretty comfortable, and stylish!

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#20

I Have A Love Hate Relationship With This Lamp

I Have A Love Hate Relationship With This Lamp

Jennifer Schmalz Report

#21

Cleaned And Organized This Vintage Sewing Kit! I Paid $5 For This And Contents At The Salvation Army!

Cleaned And Organized This Vintage Sewing Kit! I Paid $5 For This And Contents At The Salvation Army!

Rita Fleming Weaver Report

While sellers said they need to make money, buyers were spending freely on collectible sneakers, luxury watches, and trading cards.

eBay, said trading card sales increased by 142% in 2020, with 4 million more cards sold than in 2019.

#22

This 8 By 10 Photograph Was In A Vintage Dresser I Purchased

This 8 By 10 Photograph Was In A Vintage Dresser I Purchased

Cindy Howard Report

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ShareMusic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do genealogy and I always feel sad by vintage photos with unidentified people. How could anyone throw out family photos? Or not label them for future generations?

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#23

My Find While Cleaning Out My Boyfriend's Parent's House!!

My Find While Cleaning Out My Boyfriend's Parent's House!!

Lisa Grant Report

#24

A Vintage Quilt My Grandmother Made In The 60s

A Vintage Quilt My Grandmother Made In The 60s

Suzanne Zethner Report

#25

A Book With A Bullet Hole

A Book With A Bullet Hole

Published 1896. This is one of the coolest things I've ever found. Not only is it a trove of lost music and poems, it's well traveled, I found it in a dump of a thrift store in Hollywood, and I'm not the only one who has found it interesting. It has many inscriptions one states it was a gift from some store owner to her writer friend and she got it from TX which had traveled from South Carolina. (See below.) And stranger still? There is a freaking bullet hole in it! (The bullet is gone btw.) But why?! I wish I knew. Was it in someone's pocket? At a saloon? In someone's library? Why the bullet hole? Why?!
Edit: I'm so glad you all find this as interesting and charming as I do! I've added more photos for you all to enjoy! Also turns out there was a Sadiee Gollithan who lived in Nashville around that time. What an odd yet cool name.

Lisa Marie Wardell Report

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Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every object has a story behind it, but I bet that book has the most exciting story of them all!

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"When times are tough, people have told us that they go back to the things that make them happy, and oftentimes that’s a passion - collecting things like comic books or trading cards - things that bring people joy,” Bradford Shellhammer, vice president of buyer experience at eBay, said.

So I guess we can, in fact, live on just bread and games.

#26

What A Find Today …early 50’s Bakelite Canister Salt Box And Spice Rack

What A Find Today …early 50’s Bakelite Canister Salt Box And Spice Rack

John Richard Report

#29

I Have Been Looking For A House Hippo Since I First Heard The Term In This Group

I Have Been Looking For A House Hippo Since I First Heard The Term In This Group

Today I found her! She’s 3” long, hand painted and vintage. Artists name is signed on bottom- Basil Matthews. There are several articles on House Hippos - I thought they brought good luck. And I’m sticking with the Good Luck theory

Diane Cook Report

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#30

Scored This For $20. The Fan Blows Like A Category 5 Hurricane When I Get It Goin

Scored This For $20. The Fan Blows Like A Category 5 Hurricane When I Get It Goin

Kari K Murral Report

#32

Curious Kitty Sweet Honest Cologne By Avon. Found At My Favorite Little Boutique

Curious Kitty Sweet Honest Cologne By Avon. Found At My Favorite Little Boutique

Lorena Snodgrass Report

#33

The Lamp Shade Was My Late Mother's Waited Till I Found The Perfect Lamp For It.

The Lamp Shade Was My Late Mother's Waited Till I Found The Perfect Lamp For It.

Danny Martin Report

#34

$5 Flea Market Find Near Taylor, Mi, It's So Fabulous I Had To Have It!

$5 Flea Market Find Near Taylor, Mi, It's So Fabulous I Had To Have It!

Alicia Barber Report

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RickyT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before ATT broke up, consumers couldn't outright own a phone; you either rented one or purchased the housing (but the guts still belonged to the phone company). And there was an extra fee for each phone on your line.

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#35

I Hope This Is The Right Place To Share: Alice In Wonderland Fans Will Enjoy These

I Hope This Is The Right Place To Share: Alice In Wonderland Fans Will Enjoy These

I purchased, or should I say convinced my mom to purchase these whimsical earrings for me in the early nineties. They are polymer clay and marionette.

Ashley Davis Report

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Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really love these! They're oddly sinister but cute at the same time!

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#36

Saw This At A Habitat For Humanity The Other Day. I Sat In It. It’s Still Calling Me. My Husband Didn’t Like It But I Think It Can Sit On The Back Porch Until Winter. Found In Anderson, Sc.

Saw This At A Habitat For Humanity The Other Day. I Sat In It. It’s Still Calling Me. My Husband Didn’t Like It But I Think It Can Sit On The Back Porch Until Winter. Found In Anderson, Sc.

Dawn Roxanna Chute Strahan Report

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#37

Picked This Up At A Flea Market This Morning. Not Sure How Old It Is… But I Love It

Picked This Up At A Flea Market This Morning. Not Sure How Old It Is… But I Love It

Kam Ciccosanti Report

#38

Ladies And Gentlemen, Behold My Find Today… (Ignore The Little Shop Of Horrors Inside) $65 In Everett, Wa

Ladies And Gentlemen, Behold My Find Today… (Ignore The Little Shop Of Horrors Inside) $65 In Everett, Wa

Ivy Ren Report

#39

Found A House Hippo At The Farmers Market Today!

Found A House Hippo At The Farmers Market Today!

I think I’ll name him Henry, I guess it could be Henrietta. Anyone care to gender my house hippo???
I love that it’s in a sexy pose!

Karla Shannon McCreary Report

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John Topper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like it's got a "Henry" vibe. Henry has been married since just after high school and has six kids. He is all out of eff's to give about looking good, but LOVES to embarrass his kids. This is him at the beach. Kids are right there and people are staring.

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#40

So Wish I Could Bring This Home And Throw A Groovy Cocktail Party! But For $1,700 It’s Still In The Shop

So Wish I Could Bring This Home And Throw A Groovy Cocktail Party! But For $1,700 It’s Still In The Shop

Chrystal Reynolds Stewart Report

#41

I Bought This Lamp A Number Of Years Ago. It's Been In Storage For A While Until I Can Find The Appropriate Shade

I Bought This Lamp A Number Of Years Ago. It's Been In Storage For A While Until I Can Find The Appropriate Shade

Now the two are married for life of course it was a thrift shop buy I can't remember the price but you know me I'm thrifty

Jonathan Holmberg Report

#42

I Pet Sat For My Daughter/Son In Law While They Had My Grandaughter At Cincinnati Children's Hospital For Scheduled Appointments For A Little Over A Week

I Pet Sat For My Daughter/Son In Law While They Had My Grandaughter At Cincinnati Children's Hospital For Scheduled Appointments For A Little Over A Week

When they got back today, my daughter handed me the best gift! A Fiona House Hippo!!! I've been watching and hadn't found a house hippo yet, and this one is perfect

Cathy Zeltner Report

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#44

Banana Hat!!! Less Then A Dollar Find Today At A Thrift Store

Banana Hat!!! Less Then A Dollar Find Today At A Thrift Store

Jessica Schmitz Report

#45

I Found 2 Bags Of 'Spreaders' - Those Little Decorative Knives Used To Spread Cheese. There Were S Total Of 113! Here's Just An Example Of Them

I Found 2 Bags Of 'Spreaders' - Those Little Decorative Knives Used To Spread Cheese. There Were S Total Of 113! Here's Just An Example Of Them

Paula Blazek Report

#47

Thought You Guys Would Appreciate This

Thought You Guys Would Appreciate This

Megan Tucker Report

#48

My Mom Found Me This Vintage Madame Alexander Doll Today At Goodwill! It Is Jo From Little Women, One Of My Favorite Characters Ever. I Love It So Much!

My Mom Found Me This Vintage Madame Alexander Doll Today At Goodwill! It Is Jo From Little Women, One Of My Favorite Characters Ever. I Love It So Much!

Emily Bryant Report

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Pollywog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an awesome find!! Little Woman is one of my very favorite books!! Jo was also my favorite literary character!!

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#49

Weird Doll Found In Michigan Goodwill Left It There

Weird Doll Found In Michigan Goodwill Left It There

Linda Roberts Report

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John Topper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The next person took it home. Their posetions were donated to goodwill after their untimely demise and the cycle continues.

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#50

One Of My Holy Grails!!! Ive Been Wanting One Forever! The Best Part Is It Was Free!!

One Of My Holy Grails!!! Ive Been Wanting One Forever! The Best Part Is It Was Free!!

Mary Beth Hankins Report

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Jef Bateman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family had the same one. My mother sometimes made my dad take it in so it doesn't get stolen.

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Note: this post originally had 93 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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