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 Great Name For A Second Hand Shop. 🤣 Newport, Isle Of Wight
#2 Best £1 Find Yorkshire Cancer Research Castleford
#3 My 50 P Find At Oasis Charity Shop Redditch
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 Tiffany Owl I Bought In Sue Ryder Stroud – Tacky Or Nice?
#5 Saw This In A Charity Shop In Basingstoke Sue Ryder And I’m Not Sure What To Say
#6 Fawlty Towers Or Emmerdale Fan? Memorabilia Teapot
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 Not So Much Shi* But Unique. She Came Home With Me Today. Hand Made I Think? Maybe Clay?
#8 My Favourite Charity Shop Find Find So Far
#9 Always Wanted Some Racing Grannies
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
#11 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
#12 It’s A Ceramic Vase Representing 1950s TV Horror Movie Hostess, Vampira
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 I’ve Found A Right Banger On 12″ Record Just Now
#14 Scope, Colwyn Bay
#15 For Sale In An Op Shop On Clarendon, South Australia. Very Niche!
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 I Never Realised They Were That Close!
#17 I Had To Do A Double Take With This One, I Need Jesus
#18 Lettuce Teacup & Saucer Set
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 Spotted This In The Willen Shop In Bletchley
#20 Superman!
#21 Just Look At It! A Lambp
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 Who Remembers This Fella? Hes In The Gloucester Furniture Recycling Centre
#23 Action Man Toilet Roll Cover
#24 Couldn’t Resist This Mug
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 Do You Know The Muffin Man?
#26 Adult Sized (Medium) Pikachu Dress Any One? Pdsa Burton On Trent… Tried To Convince My Wife She Needed It
#27 Rspca Australia In Savers
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 Spotted In Compton Hospice, Blackheath, West Mids
#29 Broke My Heart A Bit Actually
#30 I Don’t Know What This Thing Is But It’s Ugly As Sin And They Want £70 For It!
Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.