50 Random And Unhinged Things People Gave To Charity Shops That Confused Or Cracked Buyers Up
InterviewWe think there are a lot of things to love about secondhand shopping. It’s easy on the wallet, great for the environment, and you never know when you could stumble upon something truly unique at a random thrift store or garage sale. However, ‘unique’ doesn’t necessarily mean aesthetic or awesome! Sometimes, the stuff you come across is beyond bizarre and makes you do a double-take.
That’s where the popular ‘C**p You Find in Charity Shops’ Facebook group comes in. This is _the original_ charity shop group that’s been “ripped off rotten by others” since being founded in 2013. Its members share pics of weird secondhand finds and enjoy poking fun at them. We’ve collected some of the strangest pics they’ve ever shared so you can see just how odd things can get, Pandas. Don’t forget to upvote your fave pics and join the group if you love their content.
The founder of the group, Roland Saunders, was kind enough to answer Bored Panda's questions about the community. Read on for our full interview with him.
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Sad Little Paper Mache Feather - For 20c It Came Home With Me. Lifeline Fairfield, Brisbane Au
Air Ambulance, Stratford-Upon-Avon. A Need
£1.50 At Forces Support In Brierley Hill. It Was Love At First Sight & He’s Now Home With Me
Saunders, the founder of the Facebook group, shone the spotlight on the history of the community and what's expected of the members.
"The group started in 2013 trying to make lyrics for a song which did get written and performed," he told Bored Panda.
"Many other groups appeared afterwards so I really took the group seriously and worked on it daily," Saunders said that the group inspired many other similar communities to form.
"Folks love commenting and posting odd stuff," he explained why weird secondhand goods appeal to so many people as a topic in itself. The founder added that there were actually 5 charity shops near where he lived.
After Realising It Wasn't Mj But John Cleese Moon Moonwalking I Had To Edit It. Found In Severn Hospice, Telford
Oxfam...worthing
Barnardo's Wanstead, London
Saunders shared a bit more about the team running the group, as well as the challenges that they regularly face.
"We have a team of moderators now who share the burden of the enquiries/posts. The volunteers aren't paid and members talk to them and expect a service. Facebook, eh?" he told Bored Panda.
Charity shopping, according to Saunders, "is an exciting thing to do because you never know what you're going to find."
"You can't go into the shop and expect to find something because, more often than not, you'll find something that you weren't looking for. Then, of course, you find some highly inappropriate things like used sex toys they don't realize are actually sex toys, overly revealing leotards, or mini erotic statues. Members take a pic pretending that they are taking it for a friend and post it on the group," he shared.
Do I Know What It Is? No. Its Purpose? No. Was It £26? Yes It Was
Did I buy it from the joint account and tell my husband that I’d saved him the hassle of arranging a Mother’s Day gift for me? Yes I did. I even hid it in my son’s room so that I can forget about it for the next week and a half. (I told him where though)
Come Mother’s Day, I will mostly be drinking G&T from this vessel. Come Easter, if there’s an egg that fits neatly into it, I may have a taste. After that…. errrrm
Sue Ryder, Kingswood. It’s A Torch!
Rainbow Llamas
The founder of ‘C**p You Find in Charity Shops’ shared that he'd been working in comedy "way before Facebook tightened up its standards," so he'd already set out a "baseline set of rules about not victim-shaming or bullying."
"We don't allow tribal objects for example because although they might be funny, they encourage people to comment on inappropriate jokes. When you look at our rules, they have been carefully honed over time." Saunders revealed that they have to deal with a lot of people who are trying to post adverts or extremely inappropriate or illegal content.
"Most members are from the UK and Australia, however, we actually reach many countries," the founder told Bored Panda that they have a global audience, but Brits and Australians make up the majority. Not everyone in the world might have charity shops, however, everyone can still enjoy looking at and commenting on the weird things found there.
The founder of the group also revealed a very interesting (but rather expensive) tradition the community used to have before. "We used to give a mug away every month for the best post and most active member." However, since the Facebook group isn't monetized, the costs of sending these prizes quickly added up, so Saunders had to stop.
Found This Creepy Tracksuit At Age UK In Hale. I've Left It There For You Because I Don’t Want It
Best Thing I Have Ever Found. A Brain Snow (Ash?) Globe. Red Hill Salvo’s, Queensland
A Strawberry Fish. Or Is It A Fishy Strawberry? Katharine House Hospice Shop In Hednesford
The ‘C**p You Find in Charity Shops’ Facebook group has been up and running for an entire decade! In that time, the group has grown into a very active and dedicated online community that absolutely loves good humor and having a laugh. At the time of writing, the group had over 315.6k members.
The entire point of the community is to post strange and low-quality secondhand finds, as well as to poke fun at the pics that others share. Laughing at bizarre items is encouraged. However, nobody should make fun of their fellow members.
Oxfam Belfast, 1 Quid For That Smelly Da In Your Life
i need this for my dad. this is like the perfect description of him :)
Dorothy House, Keynsham UK
And They Called It Pussy Love
According to the administrator and moderator team running the whole show, everyone should focus on the comedic side of things. So, for instance, there’s really no room for comments encouraging others to go back and buy all of those weird finds because they might net a neat profit when resold.
Members are encouraged to share the name of the shop as well as what part of the world it’s found in whenever they post a photo. If you feel that the item you’ve seen might offend someone else or be very insensitive, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave it out.
Staring Into My Soul Age UK. Olney
Inflatable Jesus. Children's Society Wickford
Those Little Scamps Malcom And Monty Have Clearly Been Watching South Park
Send ‘em to the Tower and off with their heads... Gracing the window of Fundraising Shop, Hayes, only a confident young man would be bold to team a tasseled cardi with form fitting floral Capri pants. The animal print legging hugging Malcolm’s manly form are expertly enhanced by an 80’s denim waistcoat Shakin’ Stevens would be proud of.
There’s also no room for taxidermy items, furs, or animal horns. What’s more, Facebook users are asked not to post pics of shoes or boots because the difference in taste causes a lot of “needless drama” and unkindness between members. Who knew fashion made people so emotional?!
The founders of ‘C**p You Find in Charity Shops’ also have a few other niche Facebook groups, including one for any treasures you stumble upon, creepy dolls, as well as Cliff Richard memorabilia. So there’s a bit of everything for everyone, depending on their taste.
Oxfam Manchester £2.99
Yes, a perfect ornament to have front and centre when meeting the in-laws for the first time!
Load More Replies...Somebody thought of that then went out and got the supplies then set about making it. They then spent ages painting it and getting just right so it matched the image in their head.............and not once did they go "actually? Maybe not" their biggest regret is probably not adding a 3rd camel lol
I can't help but wonder if they made it in this style to match a nativity set.
Load More Replies...I took me a minute to figure this out and then I was deeply sorry I took the time to do it.
Terrified? Isn't that a bit extreme of a reaction?
Load More Replies...There must be something wrong with me because I like it 😂 The only thing that would keep me from buying it is hat it doesn't fit the colors of my home.
Oh heLL I'll paint it up real pretty for you, even pay shipping!!
Load More Replies...Obviously meant to draw out the Camel fetish we have hidden deep within....
Robert T beat you to it, but it is the absolute best comment!
Load More Replies...For those Pandas who are unsure of the rules, could you explain Rule #34. Asking for a friend of course
Load More Replies...umm... what exactly is going on? why are there ropes on the thing sitting to the chair? better yet, what even IS the thing sitting on the chair? I have so many questions.
Just two camels resting. Move along. Nothing to see here
Load More Replies...Wow, oral sex AND bondage, with, wait for it...camels ???? very original, yes ?
I couldn't help myself and took another, more thorough look at it and finally saw the camel's feet and hands are tied to the chair. I wish I hadn't been so curious...
Did you miss that one is in ecstasy too? Well, the one seems satisfied too.
Load More Replies...Eh. I doodled and sold something similar to this. I'm just impressed that they went to the lengths of making it more real.
Found At The Goodwill In Alvin Tx. It Is Now My Sleep Poncho
Found This Gem In Southern Oregon USA!
Going to charity shops, garage sales, and secondhand shops can be a lot of fun if you’ve got an adventurous spirit. You never truly know what you’ll find. So if you have some patience and flexibility, you can really come across something incredible—or incredibly dumb-looking! Whatever the case might be, you’re bound to make someone’s day if you share the photo online. There’s nothing quite like making others smile and laugh with dumb stuff.
Aside from the comedic aspect, buying secondhand goods really is a great approach to living in these economically weird times. You can save a lot of money if you’re willing to buy furniture, clothes, and items that aren’t exactly new. That means that you’re cutting costs and leaving yourself some cash for other things that we all love. Like paying rent! And buying food!!
Barnados Milton Keynes
"Hilarious"... Cancer Research, Cheshire
We Can Say My Thrifting Session Had A Rocky Start... Goodwill In San Francisco, Ca. USA
Secondhand shopping is also a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and be more eco-conscious. When you’re using something that would otherwise have been thrown out, it means that you’re voting with your wallet and not paying for the production of new items.
Statista notes that the apparel market amounted to $1.53 trillion in 2022, set to grow to $1.7 trillion. Meanwhile, BBC Future points out that a jaw-dropping 85% of all textiles are thrown away in the United States. This amounted to 13 million tons in 2017 or 37 kilograms (81.6 pounds) of clothes per American.
Dvd In The Vein Of Sharknado And Piranha. Cancer Research, Prestwich
The Hot Line. Mind In Christchurch. Dorset
£5 For This Role Poly Cat. Lighthouse, Buxton
Meanwhile, Earth.org looked at just how much waste there is when it comes to the fashion industry. It’s responsible for a fifth of all global water pollution and 3% of CO2 emissions around the world.
It takes roughly 20,000 liters (5,283 gallons) of water to produce a single kilogram of cotton. That translates to roughly 2,700 liters (713 gallons) per t-shirt (aka enough for a single person to drink for 900 days).
Mr Blobbly Tea Pot Found In The Hospice Shop In Eltham Yesterday. I Secretly Quite Like This
I Have Absolutely No Idea. £2 Oxfam Belfast
Who Needs Ashes Of Someone Else’s Problem In Laws? Goodwill, Clearwater Fl
The reality is that only around 12% of the material used for clothing actually ends up being recycled. Many materials used for our clothes simply can’t be recycled, so they’re burned or dumped. Some possible solutions to this would be to change what materials are used, upgrade our recycling technologies, and encourage people to buy and sell secondhand clothing.
St Peter’s Hospice, Kingswood. Looks Like Me First Thing In The Morning
Cancer Research Shop In Hythe, Kent, UK. Both Very “Cute”, But Didn’t Come Home With Me! £3.99 Each
Not Creepy At All Rspca Whitstable
Found The Most Epic Little Dude In The Ymca In Norwich Today. He Had No Price Tag But I Cant Stop Thinking About Him
Very Very Tempting… First Tomato Ive Seen In Weeks ! Princess Alice Hospice, Dorking UK
Always Something To Catch Your Attention At Goodwill, Richmond, Va!
Had to comment. I think this was formerly my trash. In-laws gave it to my kids for Christmas, you're supposed to smack the thing and it'll make noise. Kids did not like it because it was sensitive and would just randomly go off at night. Sent it to Richmond Goodwill during the next spring cleaning.
Been Waiting To Find Something Worthy Of This Page. So Here It Is…this Delightful Piece. It Is Just Hideous
Florence Nightingale Hospice, Chinnor, Oxfordshire. £2 Each. No Sniggering, And No I Didn’t!
Truly Hideous. Can’t Imagine Anyone Ever Thinking “They’ll Look Lovely On My Sideboard”. Cats’ Protection, Cowbridge
Tempted Anyone? Can You Find A Space On Your Wall? £2 Bargain At Catherine House Hospice Norton Bridge - Eccleshall
My grandmother had one of these. If you stare at it long enough, it looks like his eyes open. Always creeped me out when I was a kid. Probably contributed to my adult atheism too.
I Found This In Salvation Army In Daventry And Thought It Was Gross... My Cousin Was Too Slow To Go Get It As He's Gone Home Already
You Can Snap This Up For A Mere £2 In The Hospice Shop In Wisbech, Cambs
Perfect For Someone Who Works In A Job Centre
Found At Sue Ryder In Skleton. I Feel Like Some People Might Like This One
This Old Vinyl Record Beauty From The 70's Can Be Yours For Just 3€
I Wish I Knew A Fiona. Ymca Middleton Reduced To 50p For Some Reason
I Travelled Halfway Round The World To Find It! Alexandra Tip Shop, Nz
Unfortunately The Guide Didn’t Have Anything In. Myton Hospice, Rugby
Genuinely Perplexed As To Whether This Is A Child Facing The Viewer Looking Down Or A Very Hairy Body Builder Looking Away
Barnados. Alfreton. My Favourite Ever Find. (Just To Add: I Didn’t Buy It)
The number of items here from British charity shops makes me cringe at the junk the British buy in the first place! It has however prompted me to pop into a few next time I'm in town now I know such delights/ horrors can be found!
Secondhand shops in the UK are so uniquely named and specific in their causes. In the US, thrift stores are either 1) Independent and for-profit, like Savers, 2) religion-affiliated like the Salvation Army, or organization-affilated like the Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity. Many thrift stores purport to give back to their communities, but they can be opaque in how they do so. They're never so specific as 'we give money to this hospice or cause.'
Why are they called "Hospice Shops"? Do sell the stuff from the people who are passing away?
No, they sell donated items. They're raising money for the hospice
Load More Replies...Coolest things I ever found was 3 antique Chinese tea pots. A 100 year old silver ashtray and a marble roman chariot statue. Great times.
I could see myself buying about half that stuff with the clease clock being 1st by far followed by et
The number of items here from British charity shops makes me cringe at the junk the British buy in the first place! It has however prompted me to pop into a few next time I'm in town now I know such delights/ horrors can be found!
Secondhand shops in the UK are so uniquely named and specific in their causes. In the US, thrift stores are either 1) Independent and for-profit, like Savers, 2) religion-affiliated like the Salvation Army, or organization-affilated like the Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity. Many thrift stores purport to give back to their communities, but they can be opaque in how they do so. They're never so specific as 'we give money to this hospice or cause.'
Why are they called "Hospice Shops"? Do sell the stuff from the people who are passing away?
No, they sell donated items. They're raising money for the hospice
Load More Replies...Coolest things I ever found was 3 antique Chinese tea pots. A 100 year old silver ashtray and a marble roman chariot statue. Great times.
I could see myself buying about half that stuff with the clease clock being 1st by far followed by et