Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales are basically new versions of ancient archeological sites.
Upon entering them, you never know what you're gonna find and hours later, it's usually one of the two: either you leave empty-handed, asking yourself why spend so much time for nothing, or come across a hidden gem that makes even those disappointing endeavors worth it.
Interestingly, the Facebook group 'Vintage and weird things you have found' has the best of both. Its 185K members regularly share pictures of their most memorable discoveries, and if they don't inspire you to check out your local second-hand store, honestly, I don't know what will.
More info: Facebook
#21 Cleaned And Organized This Vintage Sewing Kit! I Paid $5 For This And Contents At The Salvation Army!
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267points
While sellers said they need to make money, buyers were spending freely on collectible sneakers, luxury watches, and trading cards.
eBay, said trading card sales increased by 142% in 2020, with 4 million more cards sold than in 2019.
#25 A Book With A Bullet Hole
Published 1896. This is one of the coolest things I've ever found. Not only is it a trove of lost music and poems, it's well traveled, I found it in a dump of a thrift store in Hollywood, and I'm not the only one who has found it interesting. It has many inscriptions one states it was a gift from some store owner to her writer friend and she got it from TX which had traveled from South Carolina. (See below.) And stranger still? There is a freaking bullet hole in it! (The bullet is gone btw.) But why?! I wish I knew. Was it in someone's pocket? At a saloon? In someone's library? Why the bullet hole? Why?!
Edit: I'm so glad you all find this as interesting and charming as I do! I've added more photos for you all to enjoy! Also turns out there was a Sadiee Gollithan who lived in Nashville around that time. What an odd yet cool name.
Edit: I'm so glad you all find this as interesting and charming as I do! I've added more photos for you all to enjoy! Also turns out there was a Sadiee Gollithan who lived in Nashville around that time. What an odd yet cool name.
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263points
"When times are tough, people have told us that they go back to the things that make them happy, and oftentimes that’s a passion - collecting things like comic books or trading cards - things that bring people joy,” Bradford Shellhammer, vice president of buyer experience at eBay, said.
So I guess we can, in fact, live on just bread and games.
#26 What A Find Today …early 50’s Bakelite Canister Salt Box And Spice Rack
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253points
#29 I Have Been Looking For A House Hippo Since I First Heard The Term In This Group
Today I found her! She’s 3” long, hand painted and vintage. Artists name is signed on bottom- Basil Matthews. There are several articles on House Hippos - I thought they brought good luck. And I’m sticking with the Good Luck theory
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241points
#30 Scored This For $20. The Fan Blows Like A Category 5 Hurricane When I Get It Goin
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238points
#32 Curious Kitty Sweet Honest Cologne By Avon. Found At My Favorite Little Boutique
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227points
#33 The Lamp Shade Was My Late Mother's Waited Till I Found The Perfect Lamp For It.
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224points
#34 $5 Flea Market Find Near Taylor, Mi, It's So Fabulous I Had To Have It!
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216points
#35 I Hope This Is The Right Place To Share: Alice In Wonderland Fans Will Enjoy These
I purchased, or should I say convinced my mom to purchase these whimsical earrings for me in the early nineties. They are polymer clay and marionette.
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207points
#36 Saw This At A Habitat For Humanity The Other Day. I Sat In It. It’s Still Calling Me. My Husband Didn’t Like It But I Think It Can Sit On The Back Porch Until Winter. Found In Anderson, Sc.
202points
#37 Picked This Up At A Flea Market This Morning. Not Sure How Old It Is… But I Love It
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194points
#38 Ladies And Gentlemen, Behold My Find Today… (Ignore The Little Shop Of Horrors Inside) $65 In Everett, Wa
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194points
#39 Found A House Hippo At The Farmers Market Today!
I think I’ll name him Henry, I guess it could be Henrietta. Anyone care to gender my house hippo???
I love that it’s in a sexy pose!
I love that it’s in a sexy pose!
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194points
#40 So Wish I Could Bring This Home And Throw A Groovy Cocktail Party! But For $1,700 It’s Still In The Shop
184points