Avoid the big shops and try charity shops for special Christmas bargains shoppers advised
BRITISH shoppers seeking last-minute Christmas presents may want try their luck at charity stores after a 19th century vase, an original Kermit the Frog puppet and a rare military medal were named among the most unusual gifts donated to good causes.
Shoppers have been told to try charity shops for Christmas presents
Animals were also popular items, with a sheep's head, two canaries and a live ferret among many bizarre gifts given to charities, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
"People think about giving money, but it is fascinating to see all the surprising and strange items which have been donated to charities either via charity shops or bequeathed as legacies," said Joanna Walker, who oversees private donations at CAF.
This comes after rare items including a 19th century vase was donated to charity
CAF said a 19th century vase valued at £2,400 was spotted in an Oxfam charity shop.
It is fascinating to see all the surprising and strange items which have been donated to charities
Other donations included a prosthetic leg, a wedding dress used in TV show Coronation Street, and a Victoria Cross.
But perhaps the most extravagant gifts were properties bequeathed by private donors, including a central London townhouse and countryside cottage.
There are around 10,500 charity shops across Britain, generating about £300 million a year, CAF said.