There’s nothing sweeter than finding a rare hidden gem at a charity shop (Image: Getty)
Charity shops are a beautiful maze to get lost in — with shoppers often bagging steal deals at incredibly affordable prices. And when the proceeds of your shopping are going towards a good cause? There’s nothing sweeter than that feeling.
Stories of charity shop lovers finding rare hidden gems are always going viral on the internet (as they should) and as an avid charity shop-frequenter myself, I can confirm it feels like the greatest victory when you find a cheaply priced treasure.
It’s also normal to feel overwhelmed in charity shops when faced with the task of choosing between all the options on the racks and shelves.
So, if you’re someone who loves visiting these little shopping havens but doesn’t know exactly what to look for or what might be a good find, don’t worry, because we’ve put together a list of items that are surefire steals when found in good condition at a charity shop.
1. Glassware
Read more: ‘I bought chest of drawers from a charity shop – an astounding item was inside’
Read more: ‘I went to local charity shop and struck gold when spotting £13 item on shelf’
Charity shops often stock high-quality glassware (Image: Getty)
You might be surprised at how much good quality glassware is available in charity shops. Whiskey decanters, vases, glasses and carafes — charity shops are always brimming with a plethora of glassware options at a fraction of their original cost.
Those looking for high-quality glassware would do well by feeling the weight of the items in their hands. The heavier the object, the better its quality. Holding the glassware up to the light is also a good way to check for cloudiness or flaws. Beware though, since imperfections (especially bubbles) could sometimes indicate you have an antique in your hands.
If you’re looking for crystal glassware, gently tap the item with a fingernail; if it makes the signature bell-like chime, you might just be in luck. Crystal glassware also creates a rainbow prism when held up to the light, so keep an eye out.
2. Designer clothes
Designer clothes are a lovely byproduct of charity shops, with shoppers often lucky enough to find and purchase rare pieces at a steal price. There are probably more designer clothes hiding in the deep recesses of shopping rails than you think, so make sure to give the racks a thorough peruse the next time you find yourself in a charity shop.
Pro tips include keeping a sharp eye out for designer logos and labels — you can always cross-check them on Google — and going to charity shops in affluent areas since they will often have higher chances of receiving designer donations.
3. Leather boots
Charity shops often have leather products just begging for a second life. Leather is known for its longevity and durability, making them a favoured donation.
Leather boots, in particular, are often a charity shop’s top hidden gem item. For those worried about the hygiene of buying second-hand shoes, you can always get them professionally cleaned or deodorised, and you’ll still find that it’s much cheaper than purchasing them brand new.
Buying leather items second-hand from charity shops is also a more ethical option, helping to ensure that fewer animals have to suffer and lesser energy has to be used for the sake of fashion and trends.
Leather boots are often a charity shop’s top hidden gem item (Image: Getty)
4. Books
While an obvious and beloved charity shop item, we’d be remiss not to put books on this list. In today’s day and age, books cost a pretty penny, whereas in charity shops they can be bought for a fraction of the price.
Often, a thorough browse of the book section in charity shops will lead you to a lesser-known or quirky title you otherwise wouldn’t have bought. Often, those are the best kinds of finds. Go in with an open mind while browsing books in charity shops, and we promise you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without purchasing at least one book.
5. Picture frames
Picture frames are probably the most overlooked gems in charity shops — and that’s where the missed opportunities lie.
While brand new picture frames can often be found online at cheap retail prices, more often than not, they’re of poor quality and come in boring styles. Charity shops on the other hand, are known to house an eclectic mix of unique picture frames in good quality — perfect to add a touch of character to your home.
6. Board games
Board games in today’s world are quite pricey, with many costing upwards of £20, and charity shops are a great place to look for your next family pastime.
Buying pre-loved vinyls from a charity shop can save a lot of money (Image: Getty)
Make sure to check inside the box and ensure all the pieces are there — it can be super frustrating to purchase a board game and realise later that some essential pieces are missing.
7. Maternity clothes and baby gear
Baby gear and maternity clothes are extremely costly (anyone with a child can attest to it) and sometimes buying brand-new items that will not be useful to you beyond a certain period just doesn’t make sense.
Enter charity shops – they often have large volumes of maternity wear and baby gear just waiting for a new owner. While regular charity shops stock these items, there are also baby-specific locations around the country.
8. Vinyl records
Some of the best treasures found in charity shops are vinyls — long forgotten albums that hold cherished memories across generations. Buying them secondhand is a much more sustainable practice and can save shoppers a lot of money.
It goes without saying the collection at charity shops is always top-tier, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across a truly rare record sitting on the shelf of a charity shop. Remember to look out for perpendicular scratches or warping, as this may affect sound quality.