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Thrift hunting is basically a journey in Wonderland. You never know what you’re gonna find there, but that’s the whole point of it. Initially, buying thrift was something savvy shoppers would do. But soon, it became a whole new trend with professional thrifters and vintage aficionados who, thanks to their trained eye and knowledge of secondhand, manage to dig up some real treasure that stood the test of time.

At the same time, thrifting can bring some pretty unusual and unexpected findings. Thanks to the Instagram account “Ridiculous Thrifter,” we now know what to expect. And it gets weird real quick! Run by a “Professional thrifter and reseller,” the account showcases “the wonderful, bizarre and insanely overpriced items” found at secondhand points from Facebook marketplace to secondhand stores and charity shops.

Below are some of the craziest items found there. Psst! After you’re done reading this post, be sure to check out our previous posts with crazy thrift treasures from people who couldn't believe their luck here, here and here.

#1

Do You Need One Of These? Imagine Always Carrying Around This In Your Pocket Or Purse… Busting It Out When Someone Is Being A Total Whinebag

Do You Need One Of These? Imagine Always Carrying Around This In Your Pocket Or Purse… Busting It Out When Someone Is Being A Total Whinebag

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother legit bought a mini violin for my poppa as a gag Christmas gift coz our poppa loved to complain.

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Bored Panda reached out to Sean, 41, the creator of the “Ridiculous Thrifter” Instagram account from Atlantic Canada. “I purchase items at thrift stores and re-sell them on eBay and Facebook marketplace as a side hustle,” he told us.

Sean first started thrifting after high school in 1999-2000 when a major thrift store (Value Village) opened up in his city. “They sell items on a much larger scale than the smaller boutique type thrift stores I was used to. They are considered the 'Walmart' of thrift. So as a young & broke college student, I saw a great opportunity to 'flip' these items for a decent profit on eBay… it was a no-brainer!”

#4

Imagine The Absolute Cringe Of The Thrift Store Employee

Imagine The Absolute Cringe Of The Thrift Store Employee

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Sean got completely hooked and from then on, he’s been enjoying this side gig for over 20 years now, while working full time as a Youth Corrections Counselor. “Over the years, I’ve brought many of the teenagers I work with out thrifting along with me. As a learning experience, I would teach them my craft, showing them some of the items they can make an easy profit on,” Sean said and added that most of them really enjoyed the experience. “Some of them would even ask, ‘Sean, can we drive to Value Village today?’ Haha. The thrill of the hunt is addictive…”

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#6

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

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“Just before the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020, I was at Value Village one evening and I noticed they were selling small bags full of Canadian one cent coins (pennies… around 250 of them in each bag) for $3.99 plus tax. This was crazy! So roughly $2.50 worth of Canadian currency for $3.99 Canadian currency? How was this possible? Whose idea was this?”

The creator of the Ridiculous Thrifter page said that he laughed a lot in the store at how absurd this was while taking several photos of the bags. “When I arrived home, I posted one of the pictures to my personal Facebook profile, which became quite popular. I think it was shared close to 400 times, and because of that popularity, I knew there was something bigger here.” That’s how Sean decided to create a separate Facebook page (and Instagram a little later) to feature this post along with his other “ridiculous” thrift store finds.

“Well, it really took off… it became much more popular than I had anticipated. Followers began submitting their ridiculous thrift store finds as well for me to feature. It has been really enjoyable and I didn’t realize how big thrift culture was.”

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#8

Cheeseburger Phone! Who Would You Call On This?

Cheeseburger Phone! Who Would You Call On This?

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to love the novelty phones back in the day, we had a banana phone for a while, alas it was a cheap phone and pretty useless.

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#9

For When Your Relationship Reaches A Certain Threshold...

For When Your Relationship Reaches A Certain Threshold...

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#10

Vintage Cat Novelty Transistor Radio, Made In Hong Kong Circa 1970s For $6.99. This Thing Really Cleaned Up Well With Goo Gone & Microfibre Cloth. What A Score!

Vintage Cat Novelty Transistor Radio, Made In Hong Kong Circa 1970s For $6.99. This Thing Really Cleaned Up Well With Goo Gone & Microfibre Cloth. What A Score!

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DUN DUN (she/her)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm waiting for it to open those eyes and dazzle me with the brightest golden orbs

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“An average thrift journey for me usually lasts about an hour or so. Longer if I find a lot of items I can sell. Some days I can walk out of the stores with absolutely nothing. I mostly concentrate my time on looking for valuable electronics, retro toys & games, video games/consoles, books and movies. Small stuff that’s easy to mail cheaply. On eBay, high shipping costs on big and bulky items can really ruin the profit, so those items I try to sell locally.”

Sean also said that every now and again he discovers an item that he knows nothing about. “I will have to take out my smartphone and search what it sells for on eBay. My phone is so important in this case… several times my battery died in the store and I would have to leave items on the shelf because I didn’t want to take the risk buying a worthless item. But most times I already know the profit that I can make, how much I can sell it for pretty easily.”   

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#12

These Thrift Store Chairs Have Cushions With Celebrity Portraits On Them

These Thrift Store Chairs Have Cushions With Celebrity Portraits On Them

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#13

This Is How Legends Are Made

This Is How Legends Are Made

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would wager a trip to the ER has been in their past, and will be in their future

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When asked whether thrifting has become more popular lately, Sean said that’s definitely the case. “It has actually exploded. Television shows such as 'Storage Wars' and 'American Pickers' have really popularized the hobby. In the early 2000s I was one of only a handful of people in my city who were selling thrift store items on eBay. I was able to pretty much fill my shopping cart full every visit.”

Now, however, thrift hunting became very competitive, says Sean. “There are lineups outside the thrift stores before they open in the morning. The early bird gets the worm… and as I work full-time now, it’s pretty much just for fun for me. I can’t compete with the younger generation. But I’m not upset at this. I’ve had my time in the sun!”

Today, Sean’s thrift store adventures are mostly to gather content for his Ridiculous Thrifter page. “If I happen to stumble on valuable items to sell while doing this, that’s all a bonus. It’s still really fun!”

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#16

The Man Was Then Rolled In The Rug And Thrown In The Trunk Of A 1979 Cadillac Coupe

The Man Was Then Rolled In The Rug And Thrown In The Trunk Of A 1979 Cadillac Coupe

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When asked about the craziest and the weirdest items Sean has found, he said it’s definitely “the bags of Canadian pennies for starters… a normal beach rock for $2.99 (we are surrounded by beach rocks where I live), a 3/4 full bottle of bleach for $3.99, a full-sized canoe made completely out of popsicle sticks and empty (yes I said empty) generic brand tomato sauce jars for $2.99 each, to name a few.”

#17

This Is “Not Unusual” At All! Lol What A Thrift Find! Carlton Score!

This Is “Not Unusual” At All! Lol What A Thrift Find! Carlton Score!

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#19

Caution: Beverage May Evaporate In Proximity Of Pillow

Caution: Beverage May Evaporate In Proximity Of Pillow

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“But the weirdest item ever found has to be the rice cooker that actually had cooked rice still in it! I’m not sure how the employees of the store missed that. Completely ridiculous!” Sean told us.

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For anyone who’s into thrift hunting, Sean's advice is to keep thrifting fun and enjoy the hunt. “Don’t get upset if you see someone with a shopping cart full of the things you were looking to buy… there’s always another day,” he concluded.

#20

Who Remembers This Vintage 1980s Playskool Flashlight That Had 3 Different Colours?

Who Remembers This Vintage 1980s Playskool Flashlight That Had 3 Different Colours?

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#21

Would You Buy This?

Would You Buy This?

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#22

Someone Had A Lot Of Fun At This Thrift Store

Someone Had A Lot Of Fun At This Thrift Store

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#23

Lol - I Absolutely Love This Thrift Store Find! 🤣🤣🤣 T-Shirt Fail!

Lol - I Absolutely Love This Thrift Store Find! 🤣🤣🤣 T-Shirt Fail!

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#24

When Your 3 Year Old Wakes Up At 5am And You Aren’t Ready To Face The Day... A Couple Hot Wheels And This Hoodie Will Do The Trick!

When Your 3 Year Old Wakes Up At 5am And You Aren’t Ready To Face The Day... A Couple Hot Wheels And This Hoodie Will Do The Trick!

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#25

It’s Been 45 Years And Cliff Still Can’t Get Over That Terrible Night In 1975 Lol

It’s Been 45 Years And Cliff Still Can’t Get Over That Terrible Night In 1975 Lol

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#26

Get Your Limited Edition Mario Milk Before It Expires!

Get Your Limited Edition Mario Milk Before It Expires!

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#27

Gotta Give’m Credit For Clever Marketing

Gotta Give’m Credit For Clever Marketing

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess leather is technically an animal print, so maybe split pleather is too?

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#29

I’m Euro-Peeing My Pants!! Value Village In Pembroke Ontario Canada Is Selling 20 Euros For $34.99+tax ($39.54)!! You Can Buy This Bill At Any Bank For $29.68 With Todays Exchange Rate, Tax Free!! They Are Literally Selling Money For More Money!!! This... One... Takes... The... Cake!!! Absolutely Ridiculous!

I’m Euro-Peeing My Pants!! Value Village In Pembroke Ontario Canada Is Selling 20 Euros For $34.99+tax ($39.54)!! You Can Buy This Bill At Any Bank For $29.68 With Todays Exchange Rate, Tax Free!! They Are Literally Selling Money For More Money!!! This... One... Takes... The... Cake!!! Absolutely Ridiculous!

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#30

Find The Cheetos Crumbs In This Bad Boy!

Find The Cheetos Crumbs In This Bad Boy!

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#31

When Those Covid-19 Pandemic Zoom Calls Finally Fry Your Brain! A Coffee Mug For Every Occasion!

When Those Covid-19 Pandemic Zoom Calls Finally Fry Your Brain! A Coffee Mug For Every Occasion!

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#33

Face-Off? More Like “Face-On This Backpack Is Kick-A**!”

Face-Off? More Like “Face-On This Backpack Is Kick-A**!”

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#34

This Was A Real Thing And 100% Should Be A Real Thing Again

This Was A Real Thing And 100% Should Be A Real Thing Again

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#35

The Clerk Said This Lamp Doesn’t “Cast” A Shadow. Wish I Wasn’t “Broke” ... I Certainly Would Have “Foot” The Bill... Spent All My Money Getting “Plastered”

The Clerk Said This Lamp Doesn’t “Cast” A Shadow. Wish I Wasn’t “Broke” ... I Certainly Would Have “Foot” The Bill... Spent All My Money Getting “Plastered”

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#36

“It’s Tee-Hee-Ime To Be Bad!” Whatever Shade You Were Mj, You Were The Greatest Of All Time

“It’s Tee-Hee-Ime To Be Bad!” Whatever Shade You Were Mj, You Were The Greatest Of All Time

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#37

Some Days I Love Value Village. Look At This 1986 Hasbro Jem & The Holograms Lunchbox With Thermos! Fantastic Condition. $19.99

Some Days I Love Value Village. Look At This 1986 Hasbro Jem & The Holograms Lunchbox With Thermos! Fantastic Condition. $19.99

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#38

Ultimate Star Wars Collectors Item

Ultimate Star Wars Collectors Item

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#40

What Do You Do With Your Chicken Parts?

What Do You Do With Your Chicken Parts?

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truthmonster00 avatar
Truth Monster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only reason I would buy one of these is to see if I could cook it with a flamethrower.

mulkyway avatar
mulk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was like "WTF?! Why people will buy that awfull-creepy thing?..." and then, I read your comment. Seems legit

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

Okay kids, once you're done playing with your new friend we're gonna throw him in the oven, cut him up and eat them. Than we're all gonna go on a family outing to the ER to get treated for food poisoning.

tweaked avatar
Tweaked
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never been so horrified in my life.. and I've been through some stuff.

gmadams avatar
Blackheart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone needs to check the background of this seller. Just sayin'.

emiliarinehart avatar
hi myself
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Once the kids are done playing with it,” um what. Yeah no. Just imagine walking by and you see a kid playing with this.

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Liam F.
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just what every kid would love to eat while watching Charlottes Web or Bambi.

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KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is frickin creepy!! There isnt a kid on this planet that would play with that nightmare

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Abbigail Dodd
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there really parents that would let their kids play with raw chicken

linda_tiet avatar
Avid Reader
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop playing with my dinner! This is disgusting - it's got to be fake. My local VV doesn't sell food...

sanchorb avatar
LSR
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"His name is Bearie Gumb, Clarice... and he is creating this kind of suit...."

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Viv Hart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the kids have been playing with it, then you're going to eat it?

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Dadolwch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Once the kids are done playing with it!" Yeah, definitely want to eat it after that.

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Whawhawhatsis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every child should have a raw chicken teddy bear. Instant salmonella, what more could you want for the little tyke?

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Can be cooked once the kids are done playing with it!" WTF is wrong with people????

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Meami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Can be cooked once the kids are done playing with them"????? That is wrong at so many levels!!!!

mandydelaforcepcgirl avatar
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an art piece and is 09 years old. It doesn't belong here. https://www.insideedition.com/bizarre-chicken-teddy-bear-appears-facebook-marketplace-45860

spike110820 avatar
Steven Pike
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here kids, play with these pork chops. Mommy has to cook your chicken dolls for dinner now.

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Izzy_
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's actually impressive lol I wonder 1. How the idea came and 2. How many chickens did it take to nail the process

shayda avatar
Shayda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for the nightmares. No more Bored Panda before bed.

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Analyn Lahr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this is fake. Who in their right mind would let their kids play with RAW chicken?!

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TheHappyBookCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would actually be an amazing dog toy, albeit a little messy.

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Nazda Pokmov
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How could you do this to a perfectly innocent chicken is beyond me

rebeccagroves avatar
Rebecca Groves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a piece of "art" which was followed up with a chicken skin gimp suit!

regnwyn avatar
Rei
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In art school this would be considered ingenious art work... in the normal world kinda crazy.

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Bevo Nostro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

$2 apiece - $20 for a whole chicken... if you can bear it...

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NotTodaySatan!!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something to snuggle while everyone in the family is down sick with salmonella??

eloiserawlings avatar
Eloise Rawlings
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not even gonna lie, a chicken shaped as a teddy bear would be very entertaining. Kinda love the idea.

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John L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, no....now I can't unsee this.... Guess I will binge Law and Order for the next month, instead of sleep.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hands up if you let your kids play with raw chicken, before setting their teddy bear on fire and then eating it?

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User# 6
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, emotionally scarring your kids for life is a great family activity!

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Oopsydaisy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah, that's been around since long before the pandemic. Pretty sure I first saw that photo in 2018.

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#41

Haha! Quite The Funny Fb Marketplace Post!

Haha! Quite The Funny Fb Marketplace Post!

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#43

Couple Of Better Pics Of The Now Very Infamous Ottawa Value Village Donated Casket - Taken By Paul J Bourque

Couple Of Better Pics Of The Now Very Infamous Ottawa Value Village Donated Casket - Taken By Paul J Bourque

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#44

Ultrasound Machine For Sale At A Thrift Store In Florida For $4,000! I Have Soooo Many Questions

Ultrasound Machine For Sale At A Thrift Store In Florida For $4,000! I Have Soooo Many Questions

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#45

Donated Simply Because It Was A Constant Reminder Of That Time They Nearly Burned The House Down

Donated Simply Because It Was A Constant Reminder Of That Time They Nearly Burned The House Down

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#46

So Value Village Is Selling Bags Of Pennies For $3.99 Each.... I Can’t Even...

So Value Village Is Selling Bags Of Pennies For $3.99 Each.... I Can’t Even...

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#47

There’s Just Too Many People On My Mind!

There’s Just Too Many People On My Mind!

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Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe I have seen his face too many times already today, but.... does this weirdly look like Nicolas Cage?

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#48

No Holds. E-Transfer Only

No Holds. E-Transfer Only

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mint condition? Roasted marshmallow condition would be more fitting.

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#49

The Lindsay Lohan Coffee “Mugshot”

The Lindsay Lohan Coffee “Mugshot”

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#50

“Jada You’s A Thrift Store Shopper”

“Jada You’s A Thrift Store Shopper”

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Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.