In the states we have Salvation Army and Good Will. The UK has Oxfam, Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, Red Cross, Save the Children, Cancer Lung Research, Barnardos. . .
Our neighborhood (and many others in Edinburgh) are swarming with charity shops — it’s wonderful! When I first moved here, I imagined that charity shops were full of beautiful old tea sets, silk scarves, and gorgeous vintage clothes for a couple of pounds. It’s not quite that charming. Most of the clothes are just a few years old from Marks and Sparks or H&M, and the tea sets are from the 1980s, not the 1880s, but they are still such wonderful places to shop.
For instance, that sweater I’m wearing in the top photo is lovely and soft angora that I got for £3 ($4.75-ish). Nice, eh? The novel is also from a charity shop for just £1 ($1.65-ish). Cheaper than most used book stores I’ve been to.
We’ve also bought quite a few baskets for about 10p (15 cents) each — much cheaper than the mecca-of-cheap Ikea! One basket houses our keys and is protected by Matt’s tweed hats:
The other holds our onions, watched over by Jamie Oliver (recipe book also found in a charity shop):
Once in a while you find the odd little gem, like this illustrated book from the 1950s about the British countryside:
The illustrations are a little strange (adds to the charm, right?) but I hope Graham W. Reid enjoyed them in 1949-50. Well done, Graham:
Shopping at these charity shops kind of makes up for our shame at going to Asda/Walmart on a weekly basis, right?
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Dearest Kitcath,
I was trying to remember and I don’t think we went to the charity shops that often when we lived here 8 years ago. I know you lived right by all those ones on S. Clerk street, but I think we would only pop in once and a while. I can’t think of a single thing I have from them, in fact! I feel kind of shame-faced that I always trotted down to Armstrongs or just the high street shops. We’ll definitely go to the ones by my flat when you are here in a few weeks!
I’m so glad you can buy alcohol on Sundays now. I always thought it strange we couldn’t. I still need to make sure we have our fridge stocked for you and Troy when you guys get here!
LOVES,
Larbar
The selection at the charity shops differ by location. The one that was close to Summertown in Oxford had significantly higher end items than the one in the Oxford city center. I heard the ones in Chelsea (London) are great for gently used designer goods. Lots of WAGs live in the area and send over their stuff in giant droves. You should try to figure out where the wealthy area of Edinburgh is and hunt around the charity shops there. You might unearth some really great gems.
i love jamie oliver!
That’s awesome you found Graham Reid’s copy of Harry’s parents’ book. Is it as good as the movies?
It is pretty shameful that we didn’t do enough shopping at the charity shops. I remember I’d go into the Oxfam on South Clerk street every once in a while, but I was young and enamored with the high street shops. Didn’t we get a tea cup for mom at one of them?
Can wait to explore them with you! We should take up Alicia’s advice – maybe New Town has some good ones 🙂
love, cath
Lar, you have some amazing finds 🙂 And you look so cosy in that pic of you reading with your jumper and knitted socks! I definitely love going to smaller shops and thrift stores, though most of the stuff in my area are mostly americana goodies, which aren’t really my style.
♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
I love this. The baskets are really lovely and I never think to go to Charity Shops to look for things for the house! I love that little book you picked up with the little sticker inside belonging to Graham. It just makes it even MORE special doesn’t it? I have books at home like that from when I was little after being awarded for ‘being very good’ etc. Haha, adorable.
Ooh that looks like Kate Mosse’s labyrinth. I met her at the Edinburgh book festival a couple of years back when she was interviewing Manda Scott about her Boudica series of books.
That book is Sepulchre from Kate Mosse correct? Its such a great book! I’ve read it at least 5 times now and I still love it. Thrift/Charity stores here where I live (St. Catharines) aren’t all that great. Think 1980’s clothing and really used shoes & underwear (???). Still looking for the rich people thrift store in my hometown (Toronto)!
Amazing find, that sweater looks like just the thing for the chilly months. You make charity shops sound so incredible! I would have a ball shopping in them! Such fun little finds <3