Top charity shop finds

Books: Most books on charity shop shelves are in surprisingly good nick, but it's worth flicking through to check those crucial first and last pages are intact.

Bric-a-brac: Miscellaneous items such as ornaments and jewellery are welcome in charity shops—as long as they're fit to be resold. Always check for chips before you make off with that diamante Cindy doll tiara.

Bridalwear: Keep an eye out for designer labels, especially in smarter areas—the more pennies you save, the more you can spend on the honeymoon.

Cards: Many charities now stock their own range of greetings cards—tasteful enough these days to send to your coolest friends.

Designer gear: Head for charity shops in expensive neighbourhoods to snap up a designer dress that is sooo last season, darling—for next to nothing. We're not too proud.

Furniture: Many shops stock a few items, and some charities have dedicated furniture outlets. Decent pieces come and go very quickly, so it's always worth checking back from time to time.

Goats and blackboards: Many major charities have online shops where you can "buy" ethical essentials, such as goats for a nomadic community or a blackboard for a village school in a developing country.

Kids' toys: Many charity shops have safety policies when it comes to children's items, and you can find some great stuff that's been outgrown by its original owner. Bigger stores often have areas where the toys are all laid out and ready to play with, so your small companion can play while you browse.

Kitchenware: Buying second-hand electrical goods is not the best idea (and some charity shops refuse to sell them), so don't go looking for a budget blender. But you may unearth a range of smaller kitchen goodies, from pretty plates to cutlery sets and glasses.

Music and films: These days there's less rifling through vinyl and more clattering through CDs—but there's still plenty of great music to be found, especially if your tastes run to the retro. And buying videos and DVDs from charity shops make for a very cheap alternative to video shops and DVD postal clubs.

Retro whimsy: As charity shops are the obvious dumping ground when rooms are cleared out by parents offloading their children to college, you can relive your youth by finding the 1989 Jackie annual or a Blue Peter compendium.