I’m lucky to have grown up with a mother who instilled in me the magic of thrift shopping. Shopping second hand is truly for everyone, regardless of what kind of budget you have or what you’re on the hunt for. Sure, you might want to stick to buying new when it comes to things like socks and underwear. But when you’re in the market for new appliances, clothing, home goods, cars and more, don’t be afraid to look at gently used items first.

There are plenty of reasons why thrifting is a great idea. First of all, it’s likely to be much more budget friendly than buying things brand new. You’re also able to find items with personality that will stand out from what everyone else you know is purchasing. So your furniture and clothes will always have character!  

Shopping second hand is also great for the environment. It’s no secret that companies are producing far more furniture and clothing than consumers can realistically purchase, so plenty of items are going to waste. However, if we collectively agree to shop exclusively second hand, the demand for these items will deplete, and companies will have to start producing less.

There are billions of pieces of clothing already out there that nobody is wearing, including many that are polluting the ocean and taking up space in landfills. We might as well take some time to sift through what’s in our local thrift shops when we need a new pair of jeans or a dress to wear for an event. Plus, the thrill of finding something exceptional is way more exciting than going into a shop that has a dozen identical versions of each item.    

Another huge benefit of shopping second hand is that you’re probably going to find higher quality pieces. So much of what we buy brand new today is made from cheap materials to keep costs low and require customers to replace their items every year or so. But if you can find vintage items that have been around for decades, they are going to be made from much nicer materials that are actually built to last. Even appliances from a decade or two ago will probably last much longer than, say, a washing machine that you’d buy brand new today.

Now, I understand that the items featured on this list might not be the best photos to inspire you to get thrifting. But these objects just prove that you can find anything in a second hand shop, including exactly what you’re looking for. I admit that it will take some patience, and you might have to visit 10 stores before you find those jeans that fit you like a glove. So if you need some advice for embarking upon your own thrifting adventure, Rachel at The Antiqued Journey has some useful tips.

First, Rachel recommends always getting a cart when you’re at a thrift store. You have no idea what kinds of items will catch your eye, and you don’t want to be limited to snagging whatever you can hold in your hands. It’s also a good idea to go second hand shopping when you don’t have anywhere else to be. If you’re in a hurry or feel rushed, you might miss out on some excellent pieces. Go with a full stomach when you’re free for the next few hours to ensure you’ll have time to scope out the whole store.  

If you’re looking for vintage pieces, such as dishware, always check for the maker’s mark. For example, it might have a stamp stating where the item was produced. And don’t hesitate to look in every corner of the thrift store to find something good. These shops aren’t always organized super well, so you might stumble upon something unexpected in a part of the store you’d normally want to skip over. 

And when you’re going second hand shopping, keep an open mind. It’s extremely rare that you’ll find exactly what you saw on Pinterest or what's been trending on Instagram. But you might find something even better! Be open to exploring, and be willing to take home something that’s totally unique.

Are you enjoying this list of bizarre yet captivating second hand finds, pandas? Keep upvoting all of your favorites, and let us know in the comments below what the strangest thing you’ve ever encountered in a thrift store was. Then, if you’re looking for even more photos like this, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring the same Facebook group right here!