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50 “Weird Second-Hand Finds”: Instagram Page Collects The Best Thrift Store Finds
Interview
Going thrifting is like embarking on a small adventure. Albeit you end up delving deep into mysterious urban secondhand shops and locating great garage sales instead of exploring ancient ruins in the middle of a jungle. In either case, you can end up walking away with the treasure of a lifetime. Or two or three, in fact.
Quite naturally, when you’ve found something jaw-droppingly amazing, you want to share it with others. That’s where the ‘Weird Second-Hand Finds’ Instagram page comes in. People send the page photos of their most bizarre thrift store finds, and the best of the best get featured alongside the founder’s own finds.
Today, we’re featuring some of the best secondhand finds, from the stranger than strange to the oddly mesmerizing. Remember to upvote the photos that caught your eye the most, dear Pandas. And if you’re a thrifting fanatic just like us, tell us all about the best things you’ve uncovered in your adventures.
Bored Panda got in touch with the founder of the 'Weird Second-Hand Finds' Instagram page, and they were kind enough to tell us all about it. Read on for our interview with them, Pandas!
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"Someone Posted Their Color-Coded Fiesta Shelves. And It Inspired Me To Post My Rainbow Depression Glass Shelves. I've Collected These Pieces From Various Thrift Shops, Antique Stores, And Yard Sales Over The Years. Some Are True Depression Glass From The 30s And Some Are Mid-Century. It Makes Me Happy Every Time I Look At This Bookcase
The founder of 'Weird Second-Hand Finds' opened up to Bored Panda about the inspiration behind the social media project and their passion for thrifting.
"Since I was a little girl, I loved to go through old items and explore them. When I grew up, I started to go with my dad to goodwill and flea markets. My father used to buy things to resell them and for our house as well," she said that her dad would buy things like tables, chairs, spoons, and others.
"I've Had My Sassy Green Teapot For Years, Just Found His Baby At Goodwill Yesterday!"
"My 86yo Grandmother And Her Handmade Needle Point Chair. 25 Years In The Making And 14 Threads Per Inch. She Used To Pick Up Road Kill From The Side Of The Road To Compare Thread Colours. She Also Bought A Peacock For Colour Comparison. I Am Not Allowed To Sit In It.”
Wait wait, where am I? I thought this was the thrift store finds thread...
Stunning chair and kick-ass Granny! Not totally comfy with the road kill comparisons, but that's just me, lol.
There is definitely a squick factor about the road-kill part, that's just nasty in my book!
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Fantastic I would not let any butt sit in that chair! Your grandmother is very talented!
I’m currently working on a jacket like this! Not this amazing ! Yet !!
This is worthy of museum exhibition. The story of the workmanship takes it next level. I hope you have it insured. Quite a treasure.
I wouldn't sit on it either! Amazing! I also wouldn't spend that much time on a project...I'm prone to giving up.
L...I wouldn't let you sit in it, either...A true work of art! And shows a strong work ethic along with a devotion
Wow that is really beautiful. I can only imagine what it took to create.. I understand the protection too. I made a beautiful table cloth with rose and a variety of other flowers. My boyfriend took it and uses it without covering it and has ruined it. It breaks my heart. It was alot of work and many months. I don't feel respected for my work.
I would forbid anyone to sit in it too... Granny is a master at this... I did needlepoint for 10 years...one picture a month and had them all framed....
I'd be hard pressed to let AIR sit in it! Beautiful. What a labor of love.
I'm sorry...? 86 years old? I don't see it. She idoes not show her age
Wow, that is incredible. How very talented she is. I wouldn't let anyone sit in it either!
That is a masterpiece. Do not let it out of the family's hands! Beautiful work.
That’s truly a work of art! The details are so impressive I bet no one is allowed to sit on it. Much to beautiful to take any chances.
WOW!!! I wouldn't want to use it for fear of damaging the threads or the material
That needs to be encased in glass and away from sunlight so incredibly beautiful
Wonderful peice of needlework. I understand your grandmother's dedication. I did something like it in embroidery without the roadkill aspect. This is a true treasure. Please keep it in your family.
Holy s**t! *excuse my french* but that is truly 1 of a kind and the most beautiful piece of furniture, scratch that, ART IVE EVER SEEN!!! A true masterpiece to be left for generations in your family! 🧐🥰
So where did you found the picture? Her: i bought the peacock... if u don't mind...
Amazing. If only everyone had the patience this woman has...
I'm not guessing it is for sale? If she is even willing to just talk about it, please let me know. My mother also needlepoined and this reminds me so munch of her. She has been gone for 10 years now.
Mind blown. Your grandma deserve a genis (however you spell it) world record
I wouldn't let anybody sit on it either, what an amazing piece of art, you know a lot of time and effort went into that!
Wow, is all I can say. I hope no one sits in it, just for the pure respect she and the work deserves!!
Say whaaaaa?! That is amazing even if she did pick up road kill!!! So pretty
That’s absolutely stunning ❣️ Your grandmother is a very talented artist❣️😍😍😍
That's so beautiful! Your Grandmother is very talented she looks amazing!
Just wonderful I've never seen something that I want more.In 100 years it will still look as it does today.
"I just wanted to buy odd items and Google them and see what people say about them and their story," the founder said that she was interested in the story behind the vintage items themselves. She would do research about the cool things that she found and focus on the collecting aspect.
According to the creator of 'Weird Second-Hand Finds,' the pandemic had affected thrifting as a whole. They revealed to Bored Panda that some of their friends, who are secondhand item resellers, said that things are different from before Covid.
"Now, finding items with good prices is possible and likely, but the reselling is getting harder day by day," she said.
"My Greatest Fb Marketplace Purchase To Date. $300. Do I Have Enough Friends To Fill It? No. Do My Dogs Treat It Like A Racing Track, Absolutely."
I would love to see your dogs have the zoomies on this. I'd say it's hilarious.
I Found This Fantastic Antique Salesman’s Sample Chair Off Of Facebook Marketplace A Few Months Back. I Knew What I Needed To Do.august, My Himalayan, Also Knew What He Needed To Do
How Sweet Is This Little Suitcase Doll House?
The founder of the project also had some advice to share with anyone who's planning on starting thrifting but doesn't know where to begin. "My advice is that thrifters should visit different locations like flea markets, garage sales, goodwill, antique stores to find cool items regularly," she said that with a bit of patience and a wider gaze, you can find some truly amazing things.
The ‘Weird Second-Hand Finds’ page has just over 17.5k followers, and has been entertaining us and the entire internet with some of the most peculiar thrift store treasures that we have ever seen.
It’s entertaining as heck, and it’s giving us an inner itch to go out and visit our local secondhand shops. You never know when you can uncover something spectacular, hidden underneath a pile of (what might seem like) junk. Or is that just us?
Found This Gem In The Local Fb Marketplace..... It Was Cute Until I Saw The Back...
"Amazing Kitchen Table And Chairs That My Parents Bought! “The Starry Night” Was Recreated With Melted Crayons And Then Covered In A Hard Lacquer. Then My Parents Had A Circular Piece Of Glass Cut To Fit On Top. Found At An Antique Shop In Inverness, Fl This Week."
Goodwill Find For My Hubby, Who Loves Clocks. Set Me Back A Whole $3.00
There are a lot of lovers of secondhand goods, and plenty of communities that endorse thrifting. Not only is it good for your wallet, but you’re also helping out the environment by spending your cash on something old but good, instead of something new.
And the same goes for secondhand clothes as much as it does for furniture, random knick-knacks, and goofy items. By giving them a second life, a second home, you’re making the world a slightly better place. Not to mention all the joy that you bring to your friends and family when you finally end up showing them your latest score.
"Alive In Wonderland Door Knob For My New Office, Acquired Recently From A Prop Maker"
Saw This Beauty On Retro Wifey. I’m Mesmerized
Bought At My Local Small Town Thrift Store.he Is So Cute!! I Think He Needs To Be Surrounded With Some Warm And Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Sustainable lifestyle blogger Alden Wicker told Bored Panda a while back that getting your quirky items through secondhand shopping is a much more sustainable and harmless pastime than shopping new on the internet.
"You're keeping something out of the landfill, you're reducing the climate impact that comes from producing and shipping products, and if you're shopping locally, you're circulating your dollars in your local economy instead of supporting a far-away factory that is potentially a sweatshop," Alden told Bored Panda.
"I think secondhand is great! The problem is that it takes a little more work and creativity, and people increasingly don't want to leave their computers and do the digging and face-to-face interaction it requires.”
"I Ran Into This At A Yard Sale And I Had To Have It For All My Crystals. What Do You Guys Think?? It Came Home With Me."
"Not Necessarily A ‘Find’ But Today My Uncle Gave Me This Chair, Which He Got From His Uncle Years Ago, Who I Believe Bought It In The 60s Or 70s. I’ve Loved This Chair Since I Was A Child And Was So Excited When He Offered It To Me."
Me: “How Much Are These? There’s No Price.” Lady: “$10 For Both.”
Meanwhile, Casey, the founder and head moderator of the popular r/ThriftStoreHauls subreddit, a place that celebrates thrifting and secondhand finds, told us all about what drives people to do it. It’s all about the thrill of the hunt, for many.
"You Guys! She's Made Of Enchanted Glass, Amethyst & Gold!"
Collected This From Side Of The Road
If life gives you leaf, be a caterpillar and cocoon urself in it
"Thank You To Who Posted These! I’m A Boudoir Photographer In Indiana And I Made The 4 Hour Drive For These Beauties "
"Sifting through racks upon racks of items. Seeing what could be useful to ourselves, or someone we may know. For some even, like myself, it's a place I enjoy going just for the number of things to look at and talk about,” they said. “I love finding stuff I want/need or would be cool to own, but I also just like looking at neat stuff."
"Enameled Cast Iron, Le Creuset For Under $25"
Someone didn’t know what they were selling! These cost a fortune usually.
"My Beautiful Find On The Facebook Marketplace! 💜 I Could Not Love It More!"
"1960s Zenith TV. We Took Out The Tube. Books, Bimorphic Dish, And Glazed California Pottery Plant Pot Were Thrifted Too."
According to Casey, “You can't go to a thrift store and get what you want. You have to spend the time going often, and at that point, you only increase your chances.” That means being patient while ‘on the hunt.’ That just makes the payoff that much sweeter.
Fridge Magnet Find! It’s Okay, You Can “Call” Me Nostalgi. Push Me Yep It Does Ring
Nice little gimme from the Ma Bell days... just before the break up..mm
''found This Beauty On A Walk In My Neighborhood In Seattle, Wa. A Church Was Doing Renovations And Was Giving Away Random Furniture And Supplies''
The excitement of finally finding something that you’d been looking for weeks, months, or even years, is unparalleled. “Everyone who thrifts for the experience gets that to some degree, whether consciously or subconsciously. Sometimes, it's a hunt that lasted a week, sometimes it's a year or more."
I would be the most fashionable Dungeon Master in that chair. Bwaahaaahaaa!
"I Bought This Table And Chairs From A Friend Years Ago. I Sold This Table And Chairs In 2013 (Begrudgingly) When I Moved To California. From Nc. In 2020 We Came Back To The Same Area In Nc And A Last Night The Friend That First Sold Me The Table And Chairs Notified Me Of The Table And Chairs Being For Sale On The Market Place. I Immediately Contacted The Seller And Was Able To Pick It Up This Morning! Welcome Home, Princess!!!"
"My *almost* Finished Thrifted Wall Of Random People I Know No History...these Are From.random.flea Markets, Thrift Stores, Antique Stores Over 2 States"
Casey, from r/ThriftStoreHaul, said that thrifting has been changing slightly recently. "My local Goodwill is having staffing problems. I don't know if it is because of Covid, the r/antiwork movement, or other factors. The same number of people is going to the stores as I have always seen, if not more,” they said.
Furthermore, they also noticed that the prices have also gone up in their local area. "We could only assume it's because with more people going, maybe they think they can find people that would spend that amount.”
"A Guy At Work Bought This Thinking It Was A Glove. Neither His Wife Or Niece Wanted It So I Told Him To Bring It In. I Have Had More Comments On This Purse Than Anything. Best $5 Spent"
"Can’t Wait For Company To Use These! Metal And Complete Set Of 16"
"This Beut Is Mine! a Hydraulics Shop Was Selling It And A Coworker Spotted It On Her Way In. I Ran To Go Get It. p.s. We Are Librarians 😁"
Always wanted one of those. Sadly the only ones I ever find cost hundreds (and into the thousands).
"The Best 23 Piece Dinosaur Tea Set I’ve Ever Seen! I Can’t Wait To Be The Coolest Grandma With These In Her China Cabinet One Day"
"A Neighbor Put This Fabulous Green Velvet Sofa Out On The Curb. It’s Mine Now💗"
"Found A New Container For All My Arsenic"
"The Goodwill In Ottawa, Il Had Scooby-Doo Outfits On Display"
"This Is My Beloved Vintage Pyrex Collection! Every Single Piece Has Been Found At A Thrift Store, Antique Store Or Garage Sale (With The Exception Of My Late Grandmother's Set In The Top Right Corner)! I've Been Collecting For Over 7 Years & I'm Ashamed To Say That This Isn't Even All Of It"
"Long Live Monty Python! Ministry Of Silly Walks Clock"
"I Work At A Vintage Store In Pdx And This Mermaid Princess Fantasy Was The Highlight Of My Year"
"Brand New Dr. Martens In The Box With Tags. $25. Got Them Off Of Facebook Marketplace From A Girl Who Just Didn’t Want Them. They Are Amazing And I Am Speechless"
Wafer Is Not For Sale But Is Definitely A Wonderful Secondhand Store Find 🐶 (Thrift Shop In Co)
"Saw This On Facebook Marketplace, Lost My Mind And Did Everything I Could To Obtain It. It's A Sectional, I Have It All Together For The Picture But The Middle Piece Can Separate To Become A Love Seat And The Rest Comes Together For A Regular Sized Couch. Welcome Home Blue Velvet Beauty"
"Just Hit The Motherlode Of Veggie Animals At A Goodwill In The Detroit-Ish Area. Had To Snap Them Up, There Are Some New Ones I Haven’t Seen Before! Sadly, There Was An Empty Box That Contained A Rabbit Carrot, Couldn’t Find It Anywhere"
I Found It At Habitat Restore In Georgetown, Texas. This Thing Was Pretty Much New. If It Only Match My Home. I Was Just In Awe Of It. They Wanted $2,400 For It.
I Found This Lady Lamp On Fb Marketplace And She Was In Rough Condition, I Gave Her A New Paint Job And I Love My Tattooed Lady Lamp Now!
Estate Sale Find. $500
"I Found This Chair..... In An Alley....so I Brought It Home And Back To Life"
"Saw These Lovely Birds That A Friend Shared And Thought It Was From This Group.. Who Would Wear These?"
Sometimes The Best Holiday Items Are Found At Thrift Stores!! 👻🖤❄️
Yeah, But Are They Truly Inclusive? I Mean, Are Protractors Allowed Too? What About Erasers? What About Erasers?????!!!!
Note: this post originally had 117 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
It may happen in the USA, but here in the UK you won't find a velvety sofa on the side of the road :/
It happens a lot here. People will post on Facebook groups "Free to whoever takes it" because that's better than tossing a perfectly good sofa.
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Man I wish I could stumble across stuff like this. My local Facebook pages are all full of baby stuff, random people trying to sell for their MLMs, and crap in bad shape.
EVERYTHING on our local ones is beige/brown, and likely hobby lobby
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I love a good second-hand shop discovery, but some of the prices here were nuts.
My three best finds while thrifting were a signed, numbered, and custom framed Beauty and the Beast print, Luigi's Mansion 3 promo pins, and an undrilled Ed, Edd, n Eddy Bowling ball. A lot times you find just junk but when you find something good you REALLY find something good.
some near the end were trashy, but I really liked some of these! i never have good luck thrifting :/
If you find furniture just thrown out on the side of the road make sure to check it for bed bugs. A friend found a beautiful red velvet sofa brought it home and then spent months trying to get rid of bed bugs.
Yes they have become a problem in thrift stores. Stick to glass and plastic items! Lol
Load More Replies... My most unusual find wasn't at a thrift store it was a shop in Costa Maya,Mexico. It was a completely perfect flute made of pottery that looked like a penis. The fun we have had over the years with that thing. When family come over it's for prolonged times. So first person to fall asleep has some funny and embarrassing pictures taken of them with it. It never gets old.
Every find is so beutiful! My husbans does not like vintage furniture or collection of things. I will have to get my own house. Lol
I think one of my favourite Op Shop finds was a handbag shaped like a book, it brand new condition for $10. I've had quite a few compliments on it when I'm out and I always proudly say "It's from the Salvos!"
I LOVE thrifting!! Stupid Covid put an end to that so that gave me time to finish projects and start new ones. Except for my appliances, my house is filled with thrift store finds, yard and barn sales, dumpster finds or given to me. Nothing is new, I encourage friends to look and touch my things. I have a wall with baskets, a cabinet and hutch my sister found on Craigslist for $30! I love to collect tea pots, anything quirky and old jewelry to make "new" jewelry. I love this article! Thx to everyone for sharing your awesome finds!
It may happen in the USA, but here in the UK you won't find a velvety sofa on the side of the road :/
It happens a lot here. People will post on Facebook groups "Free to whoever takes it" because that's better than tossing a perfectly good sofa.
Load More Replies... Man I wish I could stumble across stuff like this. My local Facebook pages are all full of baby stuff, random people trying to sell for their MLMs, and crap in bad shape.
EVERYTHING on our local ones is beige/brown, and likely hobby lobby
Load More Replies... I love a good second-hand shop discovery, but some of the prices here were nuts.
My three best finds while thrifting were a signed, numbered, and custom framed Beauty and the Beast print, Luigi's Mansion 3 promo pins, and an undrilled Ed, Edd, n Eddy Bowling ball. A lot times you find just junk but when you find something good you REALLY find something good.
some near the end were trashy, but I really liked some of these! i never have good luck thrifting :/
If you find furniture just thrown out on the side of the road make sure to check it for bed bugs. A friend found a beautiful red velvet sofa brought it home and then spent months trying to get rid of bed bugs.
Yes they have become a problem in thrift stores. Stick to glass and plastic items! Lol
Load More Replies... My most unusual find wasn't at a thrift store it was a shop in Costa Maya,Mexico. It was a completely perfect flute made of pottery that looked like a penis. The fun we have had over the years with that thing. When family come over it's for prolonged times. So first person to fall asleep has some funny and embarrassing pictures taken of them with it. It never gets old.
Every find is so beutiful! My husbans does not like vintage furniture or collection of things. I will have to get my own house. Lol
I think one of my favourite Op Shop finds was a handbag shaped like a book, it brand new condition for $10. I've had quite a few compliments on it when I'm out and I always proudly say "It's from the Salvos!"
I LOVE thrifting!! Stupid Covid put an end to that so that gave me time to finish projects and start new ones. Except for my appliances, my house is filled with thrift store finds, yard and barn sales, dumpster finds or given to me. Nothing is new, I encourage friends to look and touch my things. I have a wall with baskets, a cabinet and hutch my sister found on Craigslist for $30! I love to collect tea pots, anything quirky and old jewelry to make "new" jewelry. I love this article! Thx to everyone for sharing your awesome finds!
