Do you think shopping in charity shops has become a hobby?

[Britpopbaby]

As well as looking for a bargain, I feel it’s become a bit of a leisure activity too.

When I was between 40 and 42 weeks pregnant, had started mat leave and couldn't do much else, I slowly wandered the charity shops nearby for something to do. Didn't really want to but felt like I had nothing better to do except that, cafes and endless swimming. Now baby is 3 months and hates if I stop and look at anything in a shop I kinda miss it!

I shop online as i cant deal with people crowds and shops.

Not for me, though probably for many.
I only go in and buy something spontaneously if it catches my eye in the window.

I work in a charity shop that’s like a boutique, its really lovely it’s also cheap, a Hobbs dress in good order is around £8. It’s a local hospice shop. I also volunteer for a National charity and that’s dress would be £15 as the managers have strict rules on pricing.

I love a charity shop bargain my best buy last year was a Villeroy and Boch teapot at £1. I use it often, I also bought a small piece of glass in a shop that’s from a little glassworks where I grew up. It’s very pretty and would retail for at least £150, I think I paid £10. I also look for rare DvD’s that tend to not be on streaming services. Plus hardbacks can be as cheap as a quid.

When I was more mobile I used to stroll around the 5 charity shops in the nearby shopping centre much as I would look in any other shop I was interested in. I love vintage. You never knew what you would find. The clothes never fitted but I would buy anything in nice fabric to cut up for sewing projects. Similarly I would look for books and bits of jewellery or quirky ornaments, Nowadays I look on Ebay and Vinted in much the same way. I once bought something on Ebay for 15 euro which I subsequently sold at auction for £1500,

Verging on an addiction for me! I get almost all my clothes from charity shops. I've found some incredible bargains over the years, really high-end labels in great condition on the £1 sale rail and that kind of thing.

I'm seeing more and more young people in charity shops, which I think is good.

I like charity shop shopping even more now I don't need anything in a hurry. I keep a look out for things like extra pieces of my wedding china or replacements for kitchen utensils. My new grater from Amazon lasted three days. The charity shop one is going strong. Sometimes I am inspired. Most of the time these days I am not.

Not the same as looking at clothes but I often take my kids on a tour of our town’s charity shops. They’re allowed one book and one toy each. Takes a whole morning as they like to visit them all first before they decide what to buy.

I love a charity shop rummage, not for clothes but books, puzzles, house stuff, candles. I also love a boot sale in the summer.

My SIL loves a browse even on holiday, and is always getting bargains - sets of drinking glasses, all perfect, vases, books, real bargains.

Same! I hate that smell. It really puts me off

I've bought 1 or 2 things from vinted but i've sold lots & before vinted i donated lots to local charity shops. Then hadxa bad experience with an incredibly rude shop so stopped bothering to donate.

Luckily vinted came on the scene soon after.

My inlaws are avid charity shop shoppers, its literally a way of life for them.

It's the steamers. Clothes are all cleaned with steam, which means they are hygienic but it does have a certain rice puddingy smell

The ones round me have got so expensive- think £15 for a worn m&s bog standard non wool jumper. It's frustrating.

I thought the smell was clothes maybe getting a bit damp as it's a fusty, mildew type smell, also old books have that smell as well so that could cause it. The smell is difficult to wash out

Well, it sort of has to be, doesn't it? You can't guarantee what will be in a charity shop so if you're looking for something specific you have to go in regularly.

I get most of DS' clothes from the charity shops. Sometimes they have lots of great stuff in his size. Other times there's nothing at all. I but stuff in the next size (or two) up as well if it's really nice.

And yes, I also just love a good browse. It's like a very safe form of gambling. I might "lose" and walk away empty handed out I might "win" and come away with a bargain Joules dressing gown for £1. Or I could win big and find an extra great value bargain!

Yes, going to certain areas with multiple charity shops is a weekend hobby. Better than recreational drugs, surely?

DD2 is very good at it - she's always picking up incredible bargains. I think her best was an evening dress for £30 that retailed at more than £800. She tends to buy, wear a few times and then resell at a profit.

I like buying Royal Albert bone china on eBay. I've managed to replace all of the items I broke in my dinner service.