Whether you want to support a charity, be kinder to the environment or just pick up a bargain, a charity shop is a great place to have a nosy around.
Admittedly, it can take a bit of rummaging to find some gems but with a bit of time, you can find some absolute bargains.
We went along to some of Cardiff's best charity shops to see what was up for grabs and spoke to the staff and volunteers to see the best donations they've ever had, and the worst.
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1. The Ethical Boutique
Nestled amidst lots of shops, restaurants and takeaways along Whitchurch Road, the Ethical Boutique certainly has a lot of contend when it comes to drawing in customers.
But with its gorgeous, colourful window display and cosy interior, it stands out along the street and doesn't feel like a typical charity shop. Walking through the entrance feels a bit like stepping into a vintage, bohemian wonderland.
The boutique raises funds for The SAFE Foundation, a Cardiff-based charity that works both abroad and in the UK to provide education and help the world’s poorest communities access basic human rights.
Manager Hannah Canning says the charity shop, which sells clothes, books, bric-a-brac and the odd bit of furniture, prides itself on displaying the most colourful and vibrant donations.
"We get all kinds of donations, but half the donations that come in we don't actually sell because they might not be up to standard. We've got lots of ways of recycling, so we hardly waste anything," says Hannah.
When they were given a used toilet brush, however, that didn't make it onto the shop floor.
Charlotte Church - who supports the charity and cut the ribbon at the launch of its shop - has passed on some of her designer garments including a ball gown they got £1,000 for.
The most expensive item currently in the store - a vintage 70s replica of an art deco table, with a glass top and wooden frame - is on sale for £30.
2. Cancer Research Wales
Cancer Research Wales - which is completely independent from Cancer Research UK - raises funds for clinical and laboratory based cancer research in universities and hospitals across Wales.
Rated an impressive four-and-a-half out of five stars on Google, its charity shop branch on Penlline Road, in Whitchurch has been dubbed "better than your average charity shop" by one reviewer.
Mark Johnson, the deputy manager who covers several of the charity's shops, said they receive hundreds of bags of donations a day from all over the UK - including from Cardiff City players and rugby players.
On this day, the best steals in store were wedding dresses in the corner - some of them brand news, still with the tags on - which the charity is selling for just £50.
There was a size 14 strapless wedding dress by Maggie Sottero with sequins on the bodice, and we also spotted dresses by Augusta Jones and Mori Lee - brands which which can set you back hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. All the wedding dresses were in great condition.
3. City Hospice
This Whitchurch shop often gets donated clothes from the likes of Karen Millen, Hobbs, Coast, Hollister, and Laura Ashley, according to volunteer Wendy Prosser and team leader Glenys Taylor.
"We get lots of top-end, as well as everyday," says Wendy. "We get lots of silver in, too, because we do jewellery."
In terms of the most expensive items they've ever sold, they recall some expensive antiques.
"In the past, we did have a set of medals from somebody's grandfather - I think they got about £700 for that," said Glenys.
Wendy explains that if it's really expensive, they tend to sell it on eBay - so it's worth checking out their online shop, too.
On this day, you could get a size 14 green Laura Ashley dress with white thread detailing, and a petite pale blue Coast dress with a lace effect. It was remarkable that both were selling for just £9 each, considering that they looked pretty much like new.
4. Greyhound Rescue Wales
The Greyhound Rescue Wales branch on Albany Road in Roath, Cardiff, had a gorgeous display of clothes, jewellery, shoes and books, as well as soothing music and the inviting aroma of burning incense.
Manager Janine Graves explained they get a mixture of expensive and cheaper donations.
Unlike some other charity shops, they accept everything - even electrical items.
The charity shop also puts out appeals on Facebook, both to the Roath community and their supporters, if they're ever in short supply of donations.
Pointing out the most expensive item in the store, Janine showed me a men's grey Hugo Boss jacket with a zip and buttons that they're selling for just £50 - several hundred pounds cheaper than full price. The tag had been taken off the garment and there was a slight white mark on one of the pockets, but apart from these details, it was barely obvious that it was second-hand.
As for the most expensive item they've ever sold, she said they sold vintage HMV Nipper the Dog Gramophone for £350.
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