Shopping secondhand isn’t just great for your wallet and the planet, it also comes with the thrill of the unexpected. Sure, you might walk in looking for a bookshelf and leave with a disco-themed teapot or a porcelain duck in a top hat. That’s part of the magic.
To celebrate the wonderfully weird world of secondhand shopping, we browsed through the “Charity Shop [Stuff]” Facebook group. What we found was a delightful collection of the most peculiar, funny, and downright bizarre items people have stumbled upon in thrift stores. Scroll down to see if any of these odd treasures would’ve ended up in your cart, too!
This post may include affiliate links.
Great Name For A Second Hand Shop. 🤣 Newport, Isle Of Wight
Best £1 Find Yorkshire Cancer Research Castleford
It was probably 40 years ago, but I remember seeing a bumper sticker placed across a minor dent. The sticker looked like a giant band-aid.
Load More Replies...My 50 P Find At Oasis Charity Shop Redditch
This is the new work mug I got from a charity shop in Herne Bay a few weekends ago 3432575f-e...043e76.jpg
It's neither bizarre nor does it "defy explanations". But oh well, BP is at it with the titles once again...
Load More Replies...Now, you might be tempted to try shopping secondhand. Maybe your friend told you about a wild find or how they saved a ton of money. And honestly, the idea of scoring a vintage lamp or designer bag for less is pretty exciting.
But before you dive in, it helps to know exactly what you're looking for. Some shops are known for clothing, others for furniture or kitchen goods. So, figure out what you need and head in with a little plan.
Tiffany Owl I Bought In Sue Ryder Stroud - Tacky Or Nice?
Not real Tiffany, and not valuable. It’s the cheap colored glass tack badly mass produced in the seventies and eighties and sold in KMarts all over the place.
Saw This In A Charity Shop In Basingstoke Sue Ryder And I’m Not Sure What To Say
I saw something like that once but it says : I like my men like I like my coffee, flying off my cars roof!!!
I saw a shirt at Pride that said "I like my men how I like my coffee, nowhere near my vag!na"
Fawlty Towers Or Emmerdale Fan? Memorabilia Teapot
I think the word has become more offensive over time. I remember people using it, who wouldn't swear. Perhaps more like Wi lly is today?
Load More Replies...I started watching this show in the US when I was 14 yo in 1992 through reruns. I was immediately intrigued and have been a huge fan since. Xo
I saw a couple of episodes in a screen screen writing class then had to buy it on DVD.
Load More Replies...Egads... Not my cup of tea. LOL Seriously. Not a fan of puns either, and I've just posted two? What's happening... 🫤
Don't be shy about asking questions when you're shopping. Whether it's about the condition of a couch or the backstory of a funky sculpture, reviews and info matter. A quick chat with the seller or even online feedback can make a huge difference.
Especially with secondhand finds, you want to make sure you're not walking away with something broken. Most sellers are happy to share details; just speak up. It can save you money and future headaches.
Not So Much Shi* But Unique. She Came Home With Me Today. Hand Made I Think? Maybe Clay?
It's not handmade clay, it's moulded resin. I can't remember the name of the range, but I've seen them in gift shops with different cats
It's from the "A Breed Apart" range by Country Artists
Load More Replies...ooo, need to make that with wire and cloth so we can keep changing the stretches
I absolutely hate it but I could see why someone would absolutely love it
My Favourite Charity Shop Find Find So Far
Looks like the brand Blue Q has a large selection of like minded towels.
Always Wanted Some Racing Grannies
I gave these to my mate Baz for his birthday one year. Great fun in the pub!
Reminds me of that Monty Python sketch "Hell's Grannies".
Load More Replies...I bought these years ago as a Christmas present for a friend. “I Want One of Those” (I think) used to sell them
I really want to leave these in the day room at my nursing home
Now, spotting a Gucci belt at a thrift store sounds like a dream, right? But hold your horses before you flex it on Instagram. Authenticity checks are crucial when it comes to big brands or designer items. Look for tags, stitching quality, and official logos, or better yet, get it verified. There are plenty of dupes out there, and you don’t want to end up fooled. A cool find is only worth it if it’s actually what you think it is.
Behold! Want To Impress Your Mum's Vicar When He Comes Over For Dinner? How About This Gorgeous Salt And Pepper Set Held In The Loving Embrace Of Baphomet
For Carolina Reaper powder and Guy Fawkes Mustard powder I'd say...
Our family is "Goth" and I know that my daughter and son would love these!
The Volunteer Said She Couldn’t Bring Herself To Put It Out But Priced It At £1 Each Tassel - Now That’s My Sisters Birthday Gift Sorted
I used to wear tassels when I did strip-o-grams and would have LOVED to have had this pair.
Gives new meaning to the saying "like 2 puppies fighting under a blanket"
It's A Ceramic Vase Representing 1950s TV Horror Movie Hostess, Vampira
https://vampirefreaks.com/products/vampira-portrait-ceramic-vase?variant=40449408598052&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gPromoCode=GGLEXQ120&gQT=0
Load More Replies...The fun part about secondhand shopping? Finding unique stuff no one else has. You might walk in and discover a cat-shaped cookie jar or a vintage typewriter that’s actually functional. But here's the thing: it takes patience. The good stuff isn’t always sitting on the first shelf you see. Sometimes, you’ve gotta dig around or get lucky. And that little surprise is exactly what makes it exciting.
I've Found A Right Banger On 12" Record Just Now
Probably £5 Egyptian money - about 50 p in Blighty. And - haggle !
Load More Replies...Oh, this is a gem of a find! 🤣 https://youtu.be/9m64UgTJ1DM?si=o7DNgD3S83SL-1t8
Scope, Colwyn Bay
I expect he'd just float in a bathtub full of wine.
Load More Replies...I remember finding these at the Hastings entertainment stores. My favorite was the Librarian with shhshhing action.
For Sale In An Op Shop On Clarendon, South Australia. Very Niche!
That's actually really sad. How could you give something like that away?
Today's the first anniversary of Gary's passing... blessings to his humans 💝
Knowing where to shop makes a big difference. Thrift stores in the city center might have very different vibes than the ones tucked away in small towns. And don't forget the world of online resale stores—there are some amazing gems out there.
Some platforms specialize in certain categories, like fashion, while others focus on home décor. Each store has its own style and stock, so do a bit of browsing before locking in a favorite.
I Never Realised They Were That Close!
They probably use the same phone kiosk to change in, too
Load More Replies...Fun fact; in the 1960s Batman TV series, censors basically forced the show to add the character of Aunt Harriet, specifically to avoid accusations of homosexuality (three men living in one house).
Robin was a child, you perverts. When he was 8, his parents were killed and Batman took him as a ward. Hence "BOY wonder."
I Had To Do A Double Take With This One, I Need Jesus
Comment in the FB group "I thought it was a man kneeling down searching for her lady garden. 😂" I can't see it myself.
You all must have a different picture, all I see is a women sitting on something and a bucket of flowers in her lap.
Now if they'd put this on the Rorschach test thread... Yes I did see two people first.
"Two little pillowslips, edged with lace; Two little people, face to face; And everything in its proper place. " Ancient Scottish wedding blessing.
Don't get it. Hate that! 🤨 Wait, the arrow going through her a**? Clueless...
Lettuce Teacup & Saucer Set
"Lettuce have tea" (also yes, it does - look like cabbage)
Load More Replies...Always read item descriptions carefully, especially when shopping online. You might think you’re buying an action figure, but it turns out they’re just selling the box. True story: this happens more than you'd expect. Check dimensions, item condition, and even shipping costs before adding to the cart. A little attention to detail goes a long way in secondhand shopping. Nobody wants a surprise like that unless it’s a good one.
Spotted This In The Willen Shop In Bletchley
I'd need it reproduced to send out anonymously at xmas
Load More Replies...Superman!
Actually, they had to use fx to make his 'package' less obvious.
Load More Replies...Put a $2 price tag on him and make your profit off the videos of people trying to load him in a cart.
I wonder if this is What Henry Cavill thought about when he thought , " i want to be so famous that...."
One store in Brno have this figure . They have Batman as well. But they're not for sale :(
Just Look At It! A Lambp
Would have been difficult to do it in the navel.
Load More Replies...The stuff people will spend money on. Cripes.
Load More Replies...If you're shopping online, it’s smart to research a few different platforms. Some websites have better deals, while others offer perks like free returns or buyer protection. It helps to compare prices and policies. A pair of boots on one site might be $30 cheaper somewhere else. Plus, you'll learn what types of items each site specializes in. A little research can save you time and money.
Who Remembers This Fella? Hes In The Gloucester Furniture Recycling Centre
Action Man Toilet Roll Cover
OMG! My son had an Action Man when he was in elementary school. I made Action Man a sweater and jeans to wear for show and tell.
I suspect the teachers have nightmares about what might be 'shown' at elementary school. Some kids are *not* body shy ...
Load More Replies...Couldn’t Resist This Mug
OMG, BP, how could you let this get through uncensored!!!! The horror!!
Please don't alert them. I enjoy reading/seeing a post that I don't have to try and decipher all the censored words.
Load More Replies...Agreed OP. It's the only thing that is acceptable to come before coffee.😉
Awesome. I would totally take this mug to work, drank coffee from it and enjoyed the stares
Set a budget before you start, and try to stick to it. Thrift stores can be dangerous in the best way; you walk in for a jacket and leave with a lava lamp, five mugs, and a disco ball. It's easy to get carried away when everything is “such a great deal.” But without a spending limit, your cart might look more like a prop house. Enjoy the hunt, but keep your wallet in check.
Do You Know The Muffin Man?
Adult Sized (Medium) Pikachu Dress Any One? Pdsa Burton On Trent... Tried To Convince My Wife She Needed It
Is it just me, or does that Pikachu not look like a Pikachu at all? Maybe it's the absence of red cheeks throwing me off
I think that the fangs/teeth are throwing me off. If they chose a different smile I think it would make the dress easier to sell.
Rspca Australia In Savers
I just sent the picture to my mother and told her she was hasselhoffed - she replied "He looked so good on TV back then! We all thought he was hot! I'll keep it." Well…
So, did any of the bizarre treasures in this post catch your eye? Would you ever actually buy them? That’s the fun of secondhand; sometimes it’s about function, and other times it’s pure chaos. Either way, these quirky finds make for great stories. Let us know which ones made you laugh or secretly tempted you!
Spotted In Compton Hospice, Blackheath, West Mids
🤣 Don’t know why you were downvoted. I thought your comment was pretty clever.
Load More Replies...I’m absolutely volunteering to get killed in a zombie apocalypse. It all sounds far too stressful.
I'm not even sure anyone would notice if a zombie apocalypse broke out in Blackheath to be honest.
2025 revision - Chapter one... Wear a red hat to convince the brainivores that there is nothing appetizing in the vicinity.
Broke My Heart A Bit Actually
I first read the card and thought it said "we did/didn't have a bar because on Wednesday." This obviously didn't make sense then I realized it said barbecue but he broke it up into 2 words for some reason. Lol
I Don't Know What This Thing Is But It's Ugly As Sin And They Want £70 For It!
If it is real and is a Capodimonte porcelain with Murano glass tulip shades it is worth a small fortune , no matter how ugly it is, we are talking $4K or so
Google says it's a Vintage Porcelain Fountain Lamp Lorenzo Nove Italy. If the pedestal comes with it's worth it.
Load More Replies...Couldn't Help Myself, Had To Have It And Now In Pride Of Place On The Shelf
I think this one is more 'Cowboy Crochet'.
Load More Replies...My Girlfriend’s New Favourite Dress*. Going For Bust In Swanage. *sorry, Skirt
"I Am A Bogus Gas Man Wi Fake ID And I'm Here Tae Ransack Yer Hoose"
Those Little Scamps Malcom And Monty Have Clearly Been Watching South Park
The Children's Society, Blaydon
A Bag Made From A Pair Of Jeans. Made Me Wonder If Someone Had Ever Worn (And Farted) In Them Before
There are a number of op shops in Australia where volunteers will sew jeans and things that aren't good enough to sell as is, into bags. They have a particular name like Bags for new life or something.
Back in time, they were very popular here in Germany but I don't remember in which age this was.
I made a few of these bags and decorated them with embroidered flowers. They were really popular in the mid-late 90s.
My son made one in Homemaking class. A class every boy should take, and every girl should take shop.
Load More Replies...Naked Voldemort Only £1
Huddersfield Ymca
"Magic mirror on the wall" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br0DCEEBplY&t=41s
As Purchased From Dogs Trust Stratford Upon Avon By Superfan
I love 'Midsomer Murders'. No one does death better than British writers.
Load More Replies...Obviously Madonna Has Been Having A Clear Out. Barnardos Cardigan
There's some good stuff to be found in the charity shops in Cardigan, mind you!
Really Coo-L Piece Of Ceramics Spotted (And Then Purchased For The Value Of £1)
49p In Age Concern North Shields Given To My Husband Cause It's True
For £25 And The Very Real Risk Of Me Dropping It Peeling That Unnecessarily Large Sticker Off, I Think Not
I hate it when charity shops whack huge stickers on things. Sometimes they do so much damage getting removed
If possible, put your blow dryer and hover over the sticker and it should cone right off.
Load More Replies...Bargain £2 Find. Limited Edition Swatch From 1995 Salvation Army, Southampton
Pickle People! - Not Sure If Edible, Got Too Scared
A Bargain At £4.50 Each! There Were A Whole Stack Of Them
And I bet there’s someone out there who bought the entire series as an “investment” for their retirement.
It's for after the Beanie Baby millions run out.
Load More Replies...This Denim Piece Comes With A Little Mate On! Built In Insect Repellent
Tea And Sugar Caddies With Contents Still Inside!
False Leg Plant Pot Wolfwood Morecambe
Someone's Toupee. £10
Try haggling, they may have some wig-gle room
Load More Replies...Anyone Have A Nokia Phone Not Sure On Model Get This Snap On Case For Only A Fiver Cancer Research Brislington
It's a 3210. The asymmetric buttons directly below the display are more rounded, on a 3310 they are a bit more square and the 3410 is symmetric.
Load More Replies...IDK who those figures are BUT do they still make the phone for that case?
They don't have to, the manufactured ones all still work and have 90% battery.
Load More Replies...What Now?! 😂😂 Sue Ryder In Fareham
"touching cloth" ... isn't that when you have to p*o so bad it's already coming out?
Unfortunately, I'm sure that cloth was not the only thing that was touched by priest Fergus.
It’s A Lidl Bit Funnyyy
Thanks for the ear worm. I now have Elton John playing on repeat in my head.
Today's 'Bargain'....primark T-Shirt Only 50p More Expensive Than Buying It New From Primark
Bhf In Brentwood Essex
A decorative box. Or music box maybe? And a personalized gift at some point.
Load More Replies...Estate sale. The lady passed away and her belongings were sold as part of a clear out.
Load More Replies...Found In Sense Charity Shop In Poole For Those Lovers Of Desks It Cost £1.50
after the great success of "Doorknobs through the centuries" we present:
I'd actually like this. Then again, I read the History of Chairs for fun.
But think of all the funny stories you learned for parties...
Load More Replies...Specialty collectors books covering individual fields or designers can be worth a surprising amount of money, as can old auction catalogues from the good auction houses. At £1.50 this would make a nice profit at resale.
Don't know why you got down voted for merely stating a fact, have an upvote to cancel it.
Load More Replies...It's Not The Hat Or The Plate That Grabbed My Attention. But How About A £4.99 Fray Bentos Pie?
This Beautiful Chipboard Bookcase Could Be Yours For Only £80
Climb Every Mountain £3 Age UK Brighton
So...this is what gets stuck in my head in the beginning of my day. Thanks! 😭
Load More Replies...So Many Questions 😂 Chest Heart And Stroke
I Asked If I Can Use My Card As Didn't Have Change And She Gave Me It Because It's Been There Months And Will Go In The Bin Anyway
Instead of throwing away items that haven't sold, they should either mark them down to a penny or whatever the lowest denomination of currency is or make them free.
Sometimes.. Possibly Not....going For Bust,poole
It's a Gary Glitter song - similar, but not part of Yewtree.
Load More Replies...I've seen a couple of websites devoted to bad album covers. This belongs there.
No. I in fact do NOT want to touch you. Thanks for asking, still no.
Cats Protection, Plymouth
Cornwall Hospice Shop In Bude.... Yoga Dogs Anyone?
Nice
This Chap Needs Restraining, Less He Hit You With His Fish
I'd rather be swatted with a haddock than twatted with one.
Load More Replies...No Place Like Hemo? Keighley Help The Aged
Maybe it's from a medical facility and it's missing the other half, which could be globin, philia, rrhoid, or rrhage??
I remember an old educational film called "Hemo The Magnificent". It's about blood and the circulatory system.
Load More Replies...Can't believe you got downvoted for what seems to be the likely answer. Got you back to zero at least.
Load More Replies...This Delight Can Be Yours For The Princely Sum Of £3.99
Reminds me of Monty Python, for some reason. The cartooneries were just about this strange.
Wanky Candle £1 Bargain! Scope, Fleet
Well, I suppose he's got to fill the rest of the year somehow, but even so ...
Load More Replies...A few years ago I gave my brother a scented candle for Xmas. It smelled like toasted almonds. The name of the scent was Smell My Nuts. :)
Hmm... smells a lot like the other candle: "Mrs. Clause's candied c..." NM ill see myself out
Tacky Yellow Watch From Spice World The Movie
Found in the most unlikely of places - a small charity flea market in Daikanyama, Japan. It was accompanied by some "big headed footballers" from the England squad of the late 90s.
I really wish I could find out the story of how this came to be here.
There was a Spice Girls movie? I must have blocked it out of my memory.
People’s Porcelain Princess!
I thought it was David Bowie for a second. Still looks more like him than her
Interesting choice of outfit. It was well known she hated horse riding.
I Have No Idea What This Is
That seems most likely, although they would have a small concave structure.
Load More Replies...Pretty Sure That Is One Of Those Gag Gifts That Change With Hot Water
Gepard Cup
Ever Wanted To Relive The Funeral Of The People's Princess But It's Just Too Painful To Watch? For 99p You Can Listen To It On Cd Instead
Save The Children, Derby City Centre
Somebody's School Art Project, I Almost Felt Sorry For The Poor Thing. His Feet Were All Chipped Off And He Looked Crazy
Looks like the type of school-made items my mum refuses to get rid of even though we tell her we don't care.
My mom still has a few of the ones my brother and I made in 1st and 2nd grade. I love that she keeps them displayed in one of her fancy cabinets. :)
Load More Replies...My son made a little red hat for a Lego man and glued it on with superglue. (I don't know how he got his hands on THAT.) He then wrapped a green garden tie around his neck and gave it to me as a Christmas tree ornament. So, for the past 32 years, a little man with a wonky red d***e's cap who has been noticeably hanged has taken pride of place on my tree.
I Actually Wish I’d Bought Her As I Quite Like Her
Maybe They Changed Their Mind And Prefer To Just Forget Him?
Be kind - this might have been left when the wife died, later. House-clearances are like that.
Well, it doesn't specify which or whose husband is meant, so someone may have spoken up to his wife...
Harry Styles Says Hi From St John’s Hospice Shop In Birkenhead
You Might Like This,but For A Whopping 20 Quid It Can Be Yours,
You Never Know, Could Come In Handy
It's actually a thing you can use if you don't want to wear a seatbelt. Because it keeps the safety sensor from beeping when you drive. Stupid.
Load More Replies...People use them to get the car to stop beeping at them when they refuse to buckle their seatbelt
Oxfam St Albans
For £20 In Wood Green Milton Keynes You Can Get This Weird And Wonderful Mirror
Clarice Cliff? Northampton Rspca
Ymca In Sutton In Ashfield - Think They Are Still There If Desperate
Was Tempted To Buy This I Cant Lie
Belly Button Bumbag - Stick A Bit Of Fluff On It To Make It Look Even More Realistic!
Hm
Sunday Brunch. A UK tv show from Channel 4, funnily enough, on Sunday mornings.
This was great! I liked seeing what thrift shops from across the pond have to offer.
More of these please. I get so tired of only American thrift shop stuff.
This was great! I liked seeing what thrift shops from across the pond have to offer.
More of these please. I get so tired of only American thrift shop stuff.
