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Most avid thrifters would tell you that not every trip to the second-hand store results in amazing finds, like designer clothes or vintage items that could be a perfect addition to your home or closet. But that’s the art of thrifting—you have to be patient and persistent to be blessed by the thrift gods after rummaging through racks and shelves of hidden treasures. 

People from the Facebook group Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds That Just Need To Be Shared probably know this all too well. With some savvy and luck, their long treasure hunts in thrift stores have majorly paid off in the most peculiar and incredible finds. Scroll down to see them for yourself, and don’t forget to upvote the ones you feel white envy for!

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Liv Pearson, the founder of The2ndlook, a second-hand clothing store, and Sarah Smith, founder of Thrifthood, a second-hand adopt-a-bear experience and kids' clothing store, who kindly agreed to tell us how they got into the second-hand business and agreed to share a few thrifting tips with us.

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Liv Pearson, the founder of The2ndlook, a second-hand clothing store, says that she was exposed to the positives of second-hand thanks to her family, who comes from a tailoring background. 

“After a career in luxury retail architecture design, I became concerned with the high consumption narrative being promoted and it definitely prompted a pivot in how I wanted to contribute to sustainability in my career. My creativity from design definitely helps me with the sourcing and presentation of pieces. It gives me a personal and unique edge to my business,” Liv shares.

#4

A 24 Hr Analog Clock Found At A Yardsale, Didn’t Know It Existed

A 24 Hr Analog Clock Found At A Yardsale, Didn’t Know It Existed

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

Sarah Smith, founder of Thrifthood, a sustainable adopt-a-bear experience and kids' clothing store, jokes that thrifting was coded in her blood. "My parents were thrifters and so was my Irish grandmother so I learnt how to thrift a bargain from a very young age!" she says.

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But her love for thrifting really began in her late 20s, when she decided to face her consumption habits and stop buying fast fashion.

"My love for thrifting evolved into a business shortly after, following the birth of my brother’s second child. I saw how quickly my nephew outgrew all of his clothes and I knew my brother and sister-in-law were also keen thrifters.

So I got them a completely sustainable gift for my niece: I created a thrifted baby gift box including all secondhand baby items. I thought there must be people like me also looking for a sustainable gift for new parents and this is how Thrifthood began!" she fondly shares.

Both second-hand business owners agree that patience is definitely required when second-hand shopping. “If you hold out for long enough, the right piece comes along for you,” Liv says.

Sarah admits that not every trip to the thrift store is successful. "My partner cannot understand why I keep going back when I can go into as many as 6 second-hand shops on one high street and come away with nothing. But that is kind of the point of thrifting: the aim is not to come away with something every time, it is to keep looking until you find the thing you actually need, or something that will make a great gift for someone else," she says.

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Even though thrifting can be disheartening, she stays motivated to continue because she knows that there are absolute gems just waiting to be found. "Like a brand new Sézane cardigan for £8—my top thrift to date! But you have to be willing to do the work of the hunt to find pieces like this."

#6

Omgoodness.,. Who Knew Being A Crazy Cat Lady Would Score Me This

Omgoodness.,. Who Knew Being A Crazy Cat Lady Would Score Me This

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

While thrifting can be a more sustainable and cheaper option than buying new, people should still be cautious of what they’re buying so they don’t contribute to unnecessary consumption. Liv recommends looking at the garment’s fabric composition and interior to gauge if it’s worth investing in. 

“Choosing pieces that have a higher natural fiber content, e.g., wool, linen, cotton, etc., and checking if their interiors have been thoughtfully resolved with either linings or appropriate stitching—these tend to be good green flags to look out for.”

Meanwhile, Sarah follows the "if it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no" rule. "If it’s not on your thrift list or you don’t go "Hell yes!" when you try it on (or know someone close to you who would LOVE it), then you shouldn’t buy it," she says.

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"I also suggest looking at the fabric composition of the item, even if you love it when you try it on, so you can consider if you will actually enjoy wearing the item day to day. I try to avoid synthetic materials because they make me hot and uncomfortable, and my most worn items in my wardrobe are items made of 100% cotton," she adds.

#7

Thrilled With My Double Tower Bird House Find

Thrilled With My Double Tower Bird House Find

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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Deborah B
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kind of want one of these to put my plants in to protect them from my cat.

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#9

My Find At A Market

My Find At A Market

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Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found Limoges Bernardaud tea porcelain cups and saucer for 2€ each. Gilded with gold. It costs more than 150€ each.

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One of Liv’s top tips for bringing back older items to their former glory is investing in a good-quality steamer. “I recommend looking into a professional model, as they last for several years and can easily be repaired with Rex placement parts. They very quickly brighten up items. They’re a great tool for also using on soft home furnishings.”

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Sarah also suggests using fabric dye—her newest discovery. "I have lots of items that I still love (particularly white pieces) that have stains that will not come out or have just become too discoloured. By dyeing them a darker colour (which is so easy to do, you just put the pod in the washing machine) not only do I restore the items, it’s like creating a completely new item for your wardrobe."

At this point, it’s undeniable that second-hand shopping has gained massive attraction and Britons seem to have the biggest share in it. A whopping 61% of citizens in the UK have bought an item from a thrift store in the past year.

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In 2023, the average Brit’s wardrobe was made up of 23% pre-loved clothes. The figure increased to 34% among those aged 18 and 34. Last year, they generally bought three secondhand clothing pieces, with young adults purchasing 5.3 and older people 1.7 items. 

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The most purchased types of clothing were shirts (57%), jackets (39%), and pants (37%). If you wonder what pieces are worth buying, those who scored a good bargain mostly bought accessories (29%) and shoes (26%). 

Parents too willingly purchase second-hand items for their children. Around 59% of them have bought at least one garment for their kids in the last year. 

Even though online shopping prevails when people purchase new items, offline shopping still remains a favorable way for people to shop second-hand. 43% of people who browse for pre-loved things prefer to do so in-store and 39% online. 

#22

I Found These Coupons In The Back Of A Recipe Book From 1994. They Say No Expiration Date So I’m Going To Try To Use Them

I Found These Coupons In The Back Of A Recipe Book From 1994. They Say No Expiration Date So I’m Going To Try To Use Them

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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Firstname Lastname
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've had some people bring these in over the years and our managers did not honor them as they were not scannable.

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#23

I Bought This Beautiful Old Metal Original Ford Gum Machine At The Local Car Boot In Tenerife For Only 5 Euros

I Bought This Beautiful Old Metal Original Ford Gum Machine At The Local Car Boot In Tenerife For Only 5 Euros

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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The primary reason why people (36%) opt to buy secondhand is cost-effectiveness. 16% choose to thrift because they worry about the climate and want to counteract fast fashion. Meanwhile, 9% preferred the quality and style of pre-loved clothes, and 8% believed that it was “cool.” Thanks to all the environmentally cautious people, the secondhand industry has grown to $376.48 billion in 2023. 

#25

Octopus Are My Favourite Animals So I Couldn't Say No

Octopus Are My Favourite Animals So I Couldn't Say No

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#27

Found, And Purchased, At A Local Church Rummage. Yes, You Read That Right… A Church

Found, And Purchased, At A Local Church Rummage. Yes, You Read That Right… A Church

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#29

All The Foot Pain Can Be Yours If You Head To Upscale Thrift In Folsom, Ca

All The Foot Pain Can Be Yours If You Head To Upscale Thrift In Folsom, Ca

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Wolf Wolf
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These boots-- no, platforms-- no, heels-- no, BLATHEELS are made for walkin!

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#31

Found This Totally Awesome Watermelon Bag. I Love It

Found This Totally Awesome Watermelon Bag. I Love It

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Rachel Pelz
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, don't y'all just hate it when you can't fit anything in your handbag...

#32

I Love It, But I Had To Leave It As I Wouldn't Have Been Able To Take It Home On The Train

I Love It, But I Had To Leave It As I Wouldn't Have Been Able To Take It Home On The Train

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Auntriarch
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I need everything in that window. And yes I did take a 6' carving of a giraffe on the bus once, who wouldn't.

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#35

Meet Hagatha, My House Hippo

Meet Hagatha, My House Hippo

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#36

Yup. Best 50 Ever Spent. Now We Just Have To Figure Out Where To Put It All

Yup. Best 50 Ever Spent. Now We Just Have To Figure Out Where To Put It All

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#38

I'm So Excited! I've Wanted One Of These Vintage Lady Heads For A Long Time

I'm So Excited! I've Wanted One Of These Vintage Lady Heads For A Long Time

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Tom Hardeveld
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, so you wanting a vintage lady head is okay, but I keep one in my fridge for just one week and people are asking me to move out. Unfair

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#39

Today's Thrift Store Find Came Home With Me In Hopes To Preserve This Family's Records Or Send To Someone Within This Family

Today's Thrift Store Find Came Home With Me In Hopes To Preserve This Family's Records Or Send To Someone Within This Family

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Tara Moov
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was a sweet thing to do. Even if one relative donated this at some point, another may treasure it.

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#40

Got This Waterford Crystal Diamond Clock For 3.99 At Thrift Store

Got This Waterford Crystal Diamond Clock For 3.99 At Thrift Store

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#42

Found These At A Yardsale Earlier For 3 Bucks

Found These At A Yardsale Earlier For 3 Bucks

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#43

My Mom Collected All Sorts Of Things, And We Found This In Her Collection

My Mom Collected All Sorts Of Things, And We Found This In Her Collection

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Mary
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A mace was in your mothers collection of random stuff? Totally not suspicios

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#44

Yard Sale Find. My Grandson Had To Have It, He's 2. LOL

Yard Sale Find. My Grandson Had To Have It, He's 2. LOL

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#45

Found This Little Guy A Couple Years Ago In Alabama

Found This Little Guy A Couple Years Ago In Alabama

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#47

Halloween Day Find

Halloween Day Find

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#48

Just An Upset Pineapple Salt Shaker, Missing It’s Mate

Just An Upset Pineapple Salt Shaker, Missing It’s Mate

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#49

I Met This Little Geisha Lady At A Hope's Closet Resale Store About 3 Months Ago

I Met This Little Geisha Lady At A Hope's Closet Resale Store About 3 Months Ago

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#50

My Mom Has Been Collecting Jesus Paintings For Quite A While. All Of These Paintings Were Found At Different Goodwills

My Mom Has Been Collecting Jesus Paintings For Quite A While. All Of These Paintings Were Found At Different Goodwills

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#51

Another Though I Find Them Creepy From My Brother In Laws Estate

Another Though I Find Them Creepy From My Brother In Laws Estate

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#56

I Looked It Up And Found Out That In The Box It Is Worth $800. I Decided I Keep It

I Looked It Up And Found Out That In The Box It Is Worth $800. I Decided I Keep It

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Bat cat in a hat
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could be worth infinite money, still would go on a large bonfire if I seen it anywhere near my house

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#59

I Found This Amazing Frida Kahlo Mug Today At The Goodwill For $5

I Found This Amazing Frida Kahlo Mug Today At The Goodwill For $5

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the last thing I'd want to see on my morning coffee though!

#60

I’m Wondering If I Should Take The Time To Read It

I’m Wondering If I Should Take The Time To Read It

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#61

Peanut Man Peanut Dispenser

Peanut Man Peanut Dispenser

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Kiss Army
Community Member
Premium
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would add a little name tag that says Dee so they would be Dee's Nuts... but I am a bit juvenile at times...

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#62

Cat Clothing Hanger Which Definitely Came Home With Me

Cat Clothing Hanger Which Definitely Came Home With Me

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#64

A Very Chubby, Colorful Piggy-Bank. This Is Going To Make Saving Coins So Fun

A Very Chubby, Colorful Piggy-Bank. This Is Going To Make Saving Coins So Fun

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#65

Creepest Thing Ive Ever Found ...... Yea So I Kept It LOL

Creepest Thing Ive Ever Found ...... Yea So I Kept It LOL

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FoxEcoLimaIndiaCharlieIndiAlfa
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I vaguely remember making something similar to this when I was a kid. Except mine was a lot smaller, I think I used a baby food jar.

#67

Obsessed With Today's Pick Up

Obsessed With Today's Pick Up

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#70

I've Wanted One Of These Vintage Man Heads For A Long Time

I've Wanted One Of These Vintage Man Heads For A Long Time

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#72

My Favorite Find Of The Day

My Favorite Find Of The Day

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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#73

Found This Guy The Other Day

Found This Guy The Other Day

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Rachel Pelz
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

St TIL Saint Onophrius was a hermit in 4th century Egypt. Long beard, loincloth made from plants.

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#76

Cursed Find At The Antique Mall

Cursed Find At The Antique Mall

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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#79

These Are In Fact Second Hand..my Fiance Was Blocked For Posting His Tiny Potato Beans

These Are In Fact Second Hand..my Fiance Was Blocked For Posting His Tiny Potato Beans

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#80

Was He Really A Good Boy Or Is It Just A Stocking Of Lies

Was He Really A Good Boy Or Is It Just A Stocking Of Lies

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#81

Bought At The Thrift Store For 1.99 My Kids Are Super Creeped Out By It

Bought At The Thrift Store For 1.99 My Kids Are Super Creeped Out By It

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#83

I Got This Bear At Goodwill And I Love It

I Got This Bear At Goodwill And I Love It

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#85

So This Is A Coin Bank Without A Slit On Top? Cool But Not

So This Is A Coin Bank Without A Slit On Top? Cool But Not

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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#86

These Are The Most Weird Things I've Ever Bought But I Was Drawn To Them, The 2 Packets Have Hands In Them And A Sticker Saying Lydia

These Are The Most Weird Things I've Ever Bought But I Was Drawn To Them, The 2 Packets Have Hands In Them And A Sticker Saying Lydia

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#87

Someone Had This Massive Canvas Painting In Their Garbage. It's 6 Ft Tall

Someone Had This Massive Canvas Painting In Their Garbage. It's 6 Ft Tall

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

#89

Not Sure What This Is ... But I'm Keeping It

Not Sure What This Is ... But I'm Keeping It

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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#92

Curious Whether Anyone Has The Same Reaction I Had When I Saw This

Curious Whether Anyone Has The Same Reaction I Had When I Saw This

Weird (and Wonderful) Secondhand Finds Report

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the clown and little Timmy have their own little secret, a secret Timmy should not tell otherwise the bad policemen will take the clown away.

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#93

Not Wonderful But Definitely Weird

Not Wonderful But Definitely Weird

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#95

Fish Flops I Found At Goodwill In Lebanon

Fish Flops I Found At Goodwill In Lebanon

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#96

Lightly Used Ketchup That Expired Just 2+ Years Ago

Lightly Used Ketchup That Expired Just 2+ Years Ago

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Comment Deleted
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh this must be Value Village. Did they mark it up 100 times the original price to.

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