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This Group Is The Home For All Of The Weirdest Secondhand Finds People Come Across, And Here Are 40 Of The Most Spectacular
Thrift shopping is a lot like a lottery, in a way; you often have to go through hundreds of unsuccessful tries until you hit the jackpot. And in the world of second-hand shopping, the things you have to go through can cover basically everything—old phones, clothing, someone’s grandmother's glasses, you name it, it’s there.
Be that as it may, some items are more surprising than others; finding a nice pair of jeans might be rare, but a full set of armor is arguably far more unexpected. That’s why lots of random thrift store treasures end up online, on the ‘Official Weird Second Hand Finds That Need To Be Shared Page’ Facebook group, for instance. We have gathered pictures of some of the most unusual finds shared on the group to prove just how wonderfully unpredictable thrift shopping can get. Scroll down to find them on the list below and see it for yourself.
In order to learn more about secondhand shopping, Bored Panda turned to avid thrifter Ashley, better known to the online community under the name of Msfili, who was kind enough to share her insight on the topic. You will find her thoughts in the text below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I picked this up from a yard sale.
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
I absolutely love it, but this looks a lot like those cute old teachers that make the joke about books being the ancient computer
RELATED:
#2
So excited to find this official Par-tic-I-Pation guide.
I didn’t know this was a thing (I have to edit to say I know theater participation is a thing, I’ve gone many times in the past 20 years) but it’s basically the script with where the audience is supposed to chime in at a movie theater viewing.
And it’s official, yes it’s from 1991 but I didn’t write it so stop saying its regional and this isn’t correct. It’s correct enough to be official.
I am flabbergasted that some of you are so upset about a book.
The gatekeeping over someone so communal to outsiders as a cult classic like this is disgusting.
Enjoy this book, enjoy the movie, do whatever the f*ck you want but don’t judge others for what they enjoy.
I personally love it. I’m going to show it to our local troupe.
Thrift stores are a common choice for people all over the world for one reason or another, which is why there are quite a few of them globally. According to IBIS World, there are roughly 28,500 of such businesses in the US alone; and the number is likely to increase, considering that it’s been growing by an average of 3.5% for the past five years. Gitnux pointed out that roughly 16% to 18% of Americans choose to shop in thrift stores.
#4
I got this cool guy at a yard sale a few weeks ago. Someone must have collected costume dolls because they had a ton, but he was in his closed box on the floor. I opened it and saw the masks and decided I needed it, since I’m a fan of Japanese folklore (and folklore in general.) He’s definitely made for tourists as a souvenir, but I think he’s pretty old
#5
I like to sew and inherited my grandmother Ann’s homemade green linen-covered pin cushion — which she received from her mother. I have used it for years.
Well, a new puppy of ours found it one day and decided to play with it and ripped it open. The cushion’s innards were exposed, and at first I was horrified and upset at the dog. But then, so surprised to see what was inside, and to think I could actually be holding the tresses of one of my ancestors…
You can never be sure what you might come back with after going thrift shopping. Even if you have a specific goal in mind, the abundance of all sorts of items might make it quite tempting to grab an additional knick knack or two.
That’s part of the charm of secondhand stores—you might enter looking for a couple of vintage glasses and spot a designer bag, which has ended its days in a place far less fancy than people would have expected it to.
Winnipeg-based content creator Ashley, going by the name of Msfili on TikTok, is known by her followers to be quite successful in thrift finds, including a designer bag every now and then. Some of her successful outings have resulted in a Michael Kors bag for 10 dollars and a Coach bag for three, just to name a couple, showing that it is possible to win the thrift lottery from time to time.
#6
This did not come home with me.
#7
Because doesn’t EVERYBODY need a purple toilet?!?!
Liz Siemens 2 years ago
The house I lived in until I was 6 had purple toilet, sink, and tub. It was 1993. When my parents decided to sell the house, the realtor strongly suggested changing those out because they might turn people off purchasing! A couple ended up buying the house within the first few hours of listing... guess what closed the deal? She LOVED the purple bathroom ;)
#8
Thrifted this little girl’s umbrella. With the Morton Salt little girl on the handle, the umbrella has the Morton Salt logo “when it rains it pours”.
Ashley was even able to hunt down a Christian Dior outfit from a 2003 collection; however, she told Bored Panda that it wasn’t her most successful secondhand shopping experience, nor the only Dior outfit she was lucky to stumble upon. “The most impressive thing I have thrifted would have to be a 2005 Christian Dior runway bag. I paid $8 for it. As much as I loved it, someone offered to purchase it from me for $900 so I couldn't say no to that return on investment.”
The avid thrifter added that she often finds brand name, designer, and luxury items at stores selling previously owned items. “The thrift store is a Mecca and isn't limited to anything specific. It is a treasure hunt every time you go and sometimes you end up finding amazing things,” she said.
#9
Estate sale find. Never seen anything like them before
#10
Death Star tea mug. Found for 75 cents at Miracle Hill Thrift Store in Easley, SC.
PrettyJoyBird 2 years ago
Cue themsong - dum dum dum da da da da da da da da duuuuuuuuum DUM...
#11
I shared this before but I wanted to show this afghan I thrifted for Pride Month
Cat for scale
For those who are willing and able to look for thrift store gems—let’s be honest, it might feel like torture for people less keen on digging through piles of clothing or browsing endless rows of shelves—there are tips that can help locate them even easier. Forbes suggested taking the location and the size of the store into consideration when going thrift shopping, as the bigger ones or those in slightly more upscale areas are likely to be fitted with better goods.
Forbes also pointed out that timing is important—learning when the stores offer discounts might come in handy (whether it’s signing up for a newsletter or asking a quick question to the staff). When it comes to timing, it revealed that the end of the semester is typically a good time to shop secondhand for those living in college towns.
#12
Got this at the Goodwill bins for less than $7! It’s a vintage Sears coat
The reasons for thrift shopping differ with each person; however, some of the main ones globally, according to Statista’s 2022 data, are affordability and value (factor number one for half of those surveyed) followed by a variety of choice and uniqueness, and sustainability (with 40% of the respondents seconding each of the statements). Last but not least is the thrill of the hunt, which motivates roughly 35% of people to go thrift shopping.
#15
Yeah I bought them!
#16
My $10 Facebook Marketplace find. So happy to have this unique piece. I’m probably gonna reupholster it and maybe stain it darker. It’s definitely hand made too.
#17
Found these ginormous porkers at an antique mall in AZ today. I have named them Charles and Camilla.
The lady is marked shipman 1997. The beefeater is a butcher shop display. I'm finding them online for a total of about $500. I paid $39 plus tax for the pair.
My kitchen is now "sow-ton abbey"
SCORE
Considering that money doesn't grow on trees, it only makes sense that affordability is one of the main factors motivating people to opt for secondhand items. Often providing good quality pieces for a price way lower than they would be originally, such items arguably allow people to save up to $1,760 a year, on average, according to Coupon Follow.
It’s not only the price tag that motivates people to choose thrifted items, but the variety of the items themselves. It allows people to create their personal style without having to rely on fast fashion, which often makes people look somewhat similar because of the prevalent fashion trends it follows. Moreover, choosing to buy pre-loved items over fast fashion is the more environmentally friendly thing to do as well.
“By offering secondhand clothing options, thrift stores can encourage people to shift their shopping habits towards more sustainable fashion choices, which can help reduce waste and promote environmental conservation. And of course, who doesn’t love saving money by paying less than retail?” thrift store enthusiast Ashley told Bored Panda.
#18
Brass, crudely cast in one piece
#19
I thought this was cool. Found on Marketplace. It is a prayer chair, maybe from 1900s.
With people becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, quite a few of them are willing to take action to minimize the adverse effects. Forbes’s 2019 survey pointed out that 93% of people surveyed in the US and Australia admit to being concerned about the environment. In addition to that, 77% say they would want to learn more about a sustainable lifestyle.
Thrifting is one of the great ways to take action towards a greener future. It can help prolong the life cycle of an item and save it from going to the already overflowing landfills. Secondhand items can also be upscaled by altering them to create something you love without having to buy new (and spend loads of money as well). If you’re in need of inspiration on how to do that, check out Bored Panda’s article about a woman, named Caitlin Trantham, transforming her thrift finds here.
#21
Found a Rookwood vase from 1928 in the wild for $5.98. If you know, you know!
#22
Saw this posted for sale today on marketplace and immediately sent a message! I've been looking for one for my living room. It just needs a dusting then I can hang it! It does work.
#23
hat's the story, Wishbone?
PrettyJoyBird 2 years ago
Loved that show growing up. Didnt have TV till 7th grade. We were only alwd to watch PBS. Born '84 for context.
Even though clothing is the thing that’s thrifted the most, people look for other kinds of pre-loved items as well. Coupon Follow revealed that books are second on the list, followed by furniture, decorations, accessories, and kitchen utensils respectively.
No matter the item people are on the lookout for, they are likely to find it at one of the secondhand stores, which is why there’s even a day dedicated to celebrating them—August 17th, known as the National Thrift Shop Day.
#24
These are so adorable, I was delighted to find them and in perfect condition. Rosanna set of four 'Tres Chic' fashion dress plates. $8 at Goodwill.
Mona Stevenson 2 years ago
Best take those metal plate hangers off them ASAP. They’ll ruin the rims sooner rather than later.
#25
Found and regrettably left at a Kalamazoo Goodwill
“Many people believe that thrift stores are strictly for needy or low-income people, but thrift stores are accessible to people of all income levels. They offer a variety of options and a unique shopping experience which is appealing for people from all walks of life,” secondhand store aficionado Ashley told Bored Panda.
“Additionally, while some people may choose to shop at thrift stores out of necessity, others may do so for environmental or ethical reasons, or simply because they enjoy the unique shopping experience or choose it as their means to make money. Ultimately, I think that everyone should be able to shop where they choose, without judgment or stigma.”
#27
Not sure where I got this. Thought it was cool. Never used it. Was packed away until I happened upon it today.
#28
So for context. I own and operate a thrift store. If you can think about an item... it’s come through my doors. Literally EVERYTHING, even things that *should* be single owner items (cough, cough). Well this beauty was donated today. She’s 5 foot tall and porcelain. The lady that donated her said she’s been In her home for nearly30 years and it was time to share her with someone else. I have no idea what to do with her. She heavy so using her like a mannequin would be difficult. Sell her? What the heck to I price her? I’m at a lost with this one.
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
Let's face it, if a lady donated a doll that's been in her house for 30 f*****g years and told you she wanted to "share her with someone else", sweetie, you're doomed. Call a priest
#29
Cat eye earrings, $1.80 Value Village in Houston
#30
I foind this today at BFM in Barrie for $1! It glows similar to uranimum glass but I think it’s actually coated. Either way it’s pretty and sitting in my uranium collection now
#31
Found this gem at a goodwill in Edmonton today
#33
Found this at goodwill. Never seen a lamp like this. Now I have to figure out how to style it.
#34
For sale on my local fb marketplace 💀 I would love to see how this is repurposed!
#35
I found this at a swap meet and bought it about two months ago. Posted it got some great comments and for some reason I can’t see any of them.
I am wanting to sell it and would like to see what I should call it and about what price I should ask. I wanted to build a stand but it weighs about 90 pounds so everything I’ve tried to build has collapsed. 
I’m not trying to sell it through this site. Just any information would be helpful. Thank you.
#36
20 plus years ago I worked in an industrial laundry. Towards the end of my employment I got moved to the place that sorted laundry from area hotels and motels. We could keep whatever came through that wasn't laundry and I became very quick at grabbing. One of my favorite things was this bunny. It doesn't have any tags so I don't know who made it but I love it.
Purple light 2 years ago
What a weird policy. If you lose anything at those hotels, you are never getting it back. So many kids (and a few grown-ups) missing their beloved stuffed animals... Here in the Netherlands we put found stuff up at a website and people can reclaim it.
Reba Jane 2 years ago
I can understand keeping some stuff like phone chargers and replaceable stuff but what if there's jewellery? Plus this bunny's owner might have been distraught like I was when I lost my favourite stuffed animal. I even put up lost posters around my street :P
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Drinking my Covfefe 2 years ago
I worked at a hotel in a casino. If you were caught keeping a guests item you were fired on the spot. It was policy to turn in everything that was left behind. The majority of it got back to the original owners. This is the way it should be!
RiceRiceBaby 929 2 years ago
That's on the hotel/motel handing it over the place OP's workplace, not the OP.
Verena 2 years ago
I do clean holiday homes and hotel suites during the summer as a side job for easy cash (well hard work). Everything which might belong to guests goes to the reception and not into the laundry cart. The reception keeps it for a couple of weeks or months, if expensive/unique. Regular guests are called or receive an email, everybody when unique/expensive items are involved - in case the guests don't call themselves.
#37
A fire hydrant cookie jar with doctor things on it…
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
To your friend that used to be a firefighter but got injured and went to medicine instead, only to get addicted to heavy drugs and end his days baking marijuana cookies for fun :)
#38
Perfection
Dolly_of TheCowboy 2 years ago
OMG this would go perfect with all those "things in aspic" 1970s (?) dishes from the other BP post a while ago
#39
$2.80 socks. Value Village in Houston
#40
used it as a vase
#41
Found at Salvation Army thrift store PEI Canada
His goofy smile proved irresistible
#42
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
Beautifully cross stitched, nice matting and high end frame. Hope they bought it.
#43
I found this at goodwill today in PAPILLION Nebraska. It came home with us for sure. My mom had these in red and I sure wish I had them
#46
Got a pair of these for $5.00 each. Antique jack stands.
#47
New with tags among toys. Intel Bunny People were made in multiple sizes in 1997 to commemorate the release of the MMX multimedia extensions in the Pentium II processor and its accompanying Super Bowl ad campaign. I had a 4” keychain in the past. There also exist 8” versions. This, however, is closer to 13-14”. I have it now.
#49
Not so much weird, just me trying to figure out where it is from. I did Google lense and all it shows is more skeleton keys
*so we have found a key 95% like this one thanks to a member. It's a skyrim key (video game) but still can't find this exact key
#51
One of the most unusual things I’ve seen donated to the resale store where I volunteer. Some kind of off kilter, handmade vase(?) adorned with fish.
#52
Found this toddler size clown at thift store and decided to "surprise" my 21 yr after long day at work. She was not amused finding it in bathroom at almost midnight
#53
My fabulous 50 cent garage sale find!
#54
I don't know what this is, but I know you all can help me. It was in the junk pile.
#55
Found this Eagles vs Raiders Superbowl XV garter at a local thrift store but can't find any info about it on Google. Yep, it came with one dollar
#56
I found this kids chair. Thought someone here might know something about it. I’ve never seen one like it. Thx
#57
Found these today at a local thrift store in Massachusetts.. I can't seem to find anything about these figures
#58
Found at a Goodwill in Indy. curious if anyone knows the artist. M Church. Google had their other paintings but haven’t been able to find anything in this one. Has certification on the back.
#59
This was declined in the other group for some reason, but I really needed to share this jumbo size Barney find…
Marie Dahme 2 years ago
I hate you…you hate me…let’s hang Barney from a tree…shot him in the head with a .44….no more purple dinosaur !
#60
this is my beloved gorilla suit. (well, not mine). i didn’t see it, my partner did, and he didn’t tell me about it until we got home. i mourn this find daily
#61
The needles are super long (pear for scale) and one has double eyes? Are those flat things some kind of stitching tool?
#63
Toaster strudel or Twinkie?
Mother of Giants 2 years ago
I definitely wasnt thinking of anything food related. I think this site has ruined me ☺
#65
Love, Worry, Laugh. That's my personal motto. Found and left at Savers in Rocky River, Ohio.
#66
Why would goodwill even put this out? 2.09 was the special price for things today.
#67
I inherited this from my great grandparents, the tapestry is on leather dated 1903. Looking for information on the tapestry.
#68
My dad found this where he dug up a stump. Does anyone know what it is?
#69
Picked this fella today at Deseret in Houston. He lights up but I think something might be missing in his middle. I’ll figure something out!
#71
Ok so this not a second hand find but something I found in one of the restrooms at my job. The place I work is an aluminum extrusion plant that dates back to the world wars, so it's pretty old. I used a restroom in a part of the plant I've never been in before and seen these in all the stalls and was wondering what they are/were used for.
Excuse the pic of the toilet but I wanted you to get a better idea of the position of them.
#72
Found this sweatshirt at the goodwill bins! Beautiful hand stitched design.
#73
This was found in a secondhand tackle box. Any idea what it is?
Edit: Randy must’ve not used it much because it doesn’t have any scales on it if it’s a descales or smell to it and the paint is pretty fresh seeming
#74
Cast iron, circular portion is movable… any idea what it could be? It’s home with me, I’m sure I can figure out something neat to use it for!
#75
Fuzzy slippers with fuzzy hangers. They had tons. Value Village in Houston.
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What do you think ?
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
I'm glad there are people around who like these zany things so they don't go to waste. Just looks like a lot of clutter to me. But if it makes someone happy- Yay!!
Littlemiss 2 years ago
Are you sure we aren't married? That sounds suspiciously like what my husband says
Load More Replies... Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
I'm glad there are people around who like these zany things so they don't go to waste. Just looks like a lot of clutter to me. But if it makes someone happy- Yay!!
Littlemiss 2 years ago
Are you sure we aren't married? That sounds suspiciously like what my husband says
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