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!
#1 Wanky Candle £1 Bargain! Scope, Fleet
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#2 Saw This In A Charity Shop In Basingstoke Sue Ryder And I’m Not Sure What To Say
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#3 Lettuce Teacup & Saucer Set
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#4 My Favourite Charity Shop Find Find So Far
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#5 Rspca Australia In Savers
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#6 “I Am A Bogus Gas Man Wi Fake ID And I’m Here Tae Ransack Yer Hoose”
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#7 I’ve Found A Right Banger On 12″ Record Just Now
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#8 Not So Much Shi* But Unique. She Came Home With Me Today. Hand Made I Think? Maybe Clay?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#9 For Sale In An Op Shop On Clarendon, South Australia. Very Niche!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#10 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
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#11 A Bargain At £4.50 Each! There Were A Whole Stack Of Them
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#12 It’s A Lidl Bit Funnyyy
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#13 Huddersfield Ymca
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#14 I Never Realised They Were That Close!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#15 I Had To Do A Double Take With This One, I Need Jesus
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#16 Action Man Toilet Roll Cover
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#17 Those Little Scamps Malcom And Monty Have Clearly Been Watching South Park
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#18 Broke My Heart A Bit Actually
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#19 I Don’t Know What This Thing Is But It’s Ugly As Sin And They Want £70 For It!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#20 Tea And Sugar Caddies With Contents Still Inside!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#21 Pickle People! – Not Sure If Edible, Got Too Scared
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#22 It’s Not The Hat Or The Plate That Grabbed My Attention. But How About A £4.99 Fray Bentos Pie?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#23 Just Look At It! A Lambp
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#24 Someone’s Toupee. £10
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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.
#25 49p In Age Concern North Shields Given To My Husband Cause It’s True
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#26 This Beautiful Chipboard Bookcase Could Be Yours For Only £80
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#27 Belly Button Bumbag – Stick A Bit Of Fluff On It To Make It Look Even More Realistic!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
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!
#28 The Children’s Society, Blaydon
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#29 My 50 P Find At Oasis Charity Shop Redditch
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#30 Fawlty Towers Or Emmerdale Fan? Memorabilia Teapot
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#31 This Denim Piece Comes With A Little Mate On! Built In Insect Repellent
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#32 Anyone Have A Nokia Phone Not Sure On Model Get This Snap On Case For Only A Fiver Cancer Research Brislington
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#33 Oxfam St Albans
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#34 Spotted In Compton Hospice, Blackheath, West Mids
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#35 Naked Voldemort Only £1
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#36 For £20 In Wood Green Milton Keynes You Can Get This Weird And Wonderful Mirror
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#37 Spotted This In The Willen Shop In Bletchley
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#38 So Many Questions 😂 Chest Heart And Stroke
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#39 Always Wanted Some Racing Grannies
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#40 For £25 And The Very Real Risk Of Me Dropping It Peeling That Unnecessarily Large Sticker Off, I Think Not
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#41 Today’s ‘Bargain’….primark T-Shirt Only 50p More Expensive Than Buying It New From Primark
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#42 Mug Nearly Came Home With Me
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#43 A Bag Made From A Pair Of Jeans. Made Me Wonder If Someone Had Ever Worn (And Farted) In Them Before
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#44 No Place Like Hemo? Keighley Help The Aged
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#45 Bhf In Brentwood Essex
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#46 Couldn’t Help Myself, Had To Have It And Now In Pride Of Place On The Shelf
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#47 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
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#48 Pretty Sure That Is One Of Those Gag Gifts That Change With Hot Water
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#49 Maybe They Changed Their Mind And Prefer To Just Forget Him?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#50 This Delight Can Be Yours For The Princely Sum Of £3.99
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#51 Adult Sized (Medium) Pikachu Dress Any One? Pdsa Burton On Trent… Tried To Convince My Wife She Needed It
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#52 Who Remembers This Fella? Hes In The Gloucester Furniture Recycling Centre
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#53 Scope, Colwyn Bay
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#54 It’s A Ceramic Vase Representing 1950s TV Horror Movie Hostess, Vampira
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#55 Was Tempted To Buy This I Cant Lie
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#56 Couldn’t Resist This Mug
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#57 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.
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#58 People’s Porcelain Princess!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#59 Nice
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#60 Tiffany Owl I Bought In Sue Ryder Stroud – Tacky Or Nice?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#61 What Now?! 😂😂 Sue Ryder In Fareham
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#62 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
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#63 Climb Every Mountain £3 Age UK Brighton
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#64 This Chap Needs Restraining, Less He Hit You With His Fish
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#65 Save The Children, Derby City Centre
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#66 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
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#67 As Purchased From Dogs Trust Stratford Upon Avon By Superfan
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#68 Bargain £2 Find. Limited Edition Swatch From 1995 Salvation Army, Southampton
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#69 Great Name For A Second Hand Shop. 🤣 Newport, Isle Of Wight
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#70 Sometimes.. Possibly Not….going For Bust,poole
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#71 Somebody’s School Art Project, I Almost Felt Sorry For The Poor Thing. His Feet Were All Chipped Off And He Looked Crazy
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#72 Cats Protection, Plymouth
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#73 Do You Know The Muffin Man?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#74 I Have No Idea What This Is
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#75 Superman!
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#76 Cornwall Hospice Shop In Bude…. Yoga Dogs Anyone?
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#77 Best £1 Find Yorkshire Cancer Research Castleford
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#78 Clarice Cliff? Northampton Rspca
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#79 Hm
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#80 I Actually Wish I’d Bought Her As I Quite Like Her
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#81 Found In Sense Charity Shop In Poole For Those Lovers Of Desks It Cost £1.50
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#82 Harry Styles Says Hi From St John’s Hospice Shop In Birkenhead
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#83 My Girlfriend’s New Favourite Dress*. Going For Bust In Swanage. *sorry, Skirt
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#84 False Leg Plant Pot Wolfwood Morecambe
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#85 You Might Like This,but For A Whopping 20 Quid It Can Be Yours,
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#86 Gepard Cup
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#87 Really Coo-L Piece Of Ceramics Spotted (And Then Purchased For The Value Of £1)
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#88 Ymca In Sutton In Ashfield – Think They Are Still There If Desperate
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#89 You Never Know, Could Come In Handy
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]
#90 Obviously Madonna Has Been Having A Clear Out. Barnardos Cardigan
Image credits: Charity Shop [Nonsense]