Why buy new when you could save a packet and help a charity at the same time? Charity shopping isn’t just frugal, Green and helpful, it’s also really fun! Uncover unexpected finds, go on a hunt for the perfect kooky gift – it’s far more creative and less soulless than the high street! You could even save up your pennies for an extra round on your favorite bingo sites with all the savings you’ll be making! Read on to discover the 10 items you should really buy from charity shops…

  • Scarves

Whether it’s a snug winter woolly number, a pretty pashmina or a light and lovely necktie, there’s absolutely no excuse for buying scarves from standard shops. You can pick up unique and really beautiful neck wear from your local charity shops for no more than a quid! Light, silk scarves also make amazing, classy gift wrap your recipient can wear after they’re unwrapped their pressie.

  • Ties

Need a novelty tie to give your granddad for his birthday or a classy affair for a formal event for your other half? Hit the charity shops to find hundreds of discarded ties which look like they’ve never been worn.

Need a novelty tie to give your grand dad for his birthday or a classy affair for a formal event for your other half? Hit the charity shops to find hundreds of discarded ties which look like they’ve never been worn.

  • Gym clothes

Unless you’re gearing up for some seriously high-tech exercise, there’s no need to buy new gym clothes from high street retailers. If you’re looking for comfortable shorts, leggings or trackie bums you’ll find great options available in charity shops. Meanwhile, for big, roomy t-shirts, charity shops are slouchy Nirvana. You might even find some with cracking prints – we especially love semi-ironic ex-holiday shirts. Ideal if you want your fellow gym goers to think you’ve been to Tobago!

  • Material for craft projects

Upholstering an old chair? Putting together a new pair of curtains? Making a skirt? If you’re giving crafting a go, you won’t find fabric cheaper than in charity shops – although finding the right color and print can be a challenge. Take a look at old duvets and old curtains (normally right at the back of the shop) if you want some very affordable material to work with.

  • Fancy dress costumes

Halloween? Red Nose Day at your child’s primary school? Hen party? Don’t go to the expense of buying a new costume from a party store, instead use your initiative and find the perfect bits and pieces for your outfit in a charity shop. It might take a little creativity, gluing, sticking and stitching, but you’ll end up with a totally original, stand-out costume for a fraction of the price!

  • Tea sets

Fancy a new vintage tea set? Don’t spend the earth in an upmarket home ware shop. Charity shops are always full of really pretty teacups, saucers and teapots – often in complete sets. If you fancy a quirkier look, mix and match to create a beautiful, original tea set all of your very own – all for less than a fiver!

  • Picture frames

You’ll find dozens of picture frames just waiting for your artwork and photographs in your local charity shops – usually for no more than a few pence.

  • Wool

Are you a keen knitter or crocheter? All that wool can get a bit pricey. Keep your eyes peeled next time you’re in a charity shop for cheap balls of wool – they’ll set you back much less than wool from craft and fabric shops.

  • Books

Fancy a light read, looking for a gift for a bookworm or want to invest in a few of those must-read classics? Amazon might be cheap, but with delivery factored in, charity shops are far, far cheaper – and you might uncover some real gems!

  • Quirky gifts

Hip flasks, pretty mirrors, unusual ornaments, weird and wonderful artwork, unique costume jewelry, an absolutely bonkers-yet-brilliant fascinator – charity shops turn up all sorts. If you have a friend or family member with a taste for the unusual, a fun afternoon’s rummaging will turn up the perfect, unique gift!

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