Goodwill, Badwill, Questionable-will — Graphic Childbirth Edition

by Katy on July 14, 2013 · 12 comments

It’s time again for Goodwill, Badwill, Questionable-will, where I share some of the perfectly wonderful and perfectly dreadful things that can be found while thrifting.

Today’s edition is special because:

  1. It’s from The Goodwill Outlet, where most items are bought by the pound.
  2. My camera is broken, so the photos are kind of crappy. (My phone is very much not current technology. Not sure, but the camera might actually feature a hand crank.)

Ya’ll know that I’ve got an unhealthy obsession with chairs, so my first stop was to Lounger Land, the almost-final resting place for stained and outdated recliners.

But do you see what I see?

Lounger Land

That’s right, it’s groovy modern-style armchair which would look great in a hip mid-century-style home. I looked for a name, but didn’t come up with anything. Some lucky Portland hipster will fork over the $20 and bring this bad boy home.

Stylish Chair

I played with my Sasha Doll longer than I care to admit. (Okay, it was eighth grade. I played with my doll until eight grade! Happy now?!) Because of this, I am a complete and utter sucker for miniaturized versions of everyday items. And when I do come across tasty tiny items, I always gift them to my sister, who also played with her Sasha doll into adolescence. (Actually I give them to my young niece, with strict instructions that it has to be shared with mommy.)

And how cute is this miniature Land’s End tote bag?!

Tiny Tote

The last item is about the weirdest item I’ve ever come across at Goodwill. Why? Because it’s a scroll of detailed childbirth photos on thermal paper! There is much crowning, and graphic goodness.

Scroll O' Childbirth

Here’s an example from one of the photos. I used my crazy-good Photoshop skills to blur the vaginal area, (you’re welcome) but I left the face of father untouched. Because when you come across a strip of Goodwill photos that feature famed serial killer Ted Bundy about to become a father, you have to share it with the world!

Crowning

“Hey, does anyone know where I put that strip of photos?”

Ted Bundy

Shudder.

I did buy a two-foot square framed and matted print that I’ll use to frame one of my husband’s photographs from college, as well as a pretty green Columbia Sportswear fleece jacket to replace my one which is both pilled and stained, and of course the tiny tote bag.

Total price? $6.18.

Man, do I love Goodwill!

Have you been thrifting and coming across odd items? Please share your stories in the comments section below.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Twitter.
Click HERE to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Pinterest.

{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

Kate July 15, 2013 at 5:40 am

I played with my American girl doll until I was 14. The. My friend informed me I was a dork and I sadly retired her. (Why did I care so much what people thought??)
I only have boys but I still love doll stuff.

Katie

Reply

Pollyanna July 15, 2013 at 6:37 am

I cannot believe the strip of photos — even if they got tossed in with a donation box/bag in error (or on purpose?), why on earth would Goodwill put it out on display/for sale? Some poor parent might end up with the burden of explaining the process to a young son or daughter much sooner than originally planned! Perhaps it was displayed near a second-hand pregnancy test kit?

Reply

Kirsten July 15, 2013 at 6:44 am

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Love the added graphics!

Reply

marie July 15, 2013 at 6:49 am

When my son was a teenager and I was recently divorced, we went to the outlet store. Once we got past the ick factor of the place, we had a good time treasure hunting.
After hunting for queen sheets and not caring for the new microfiber sheets, I started thrifting for cotton ones. Well, at our local Red Hat thrift store I found a Paisley blue Martha Stewart sheet set 6.99
Score

Reply

Sarah July 15, 2013 at 7:22 am

Funniest Goodwill find ever! Thank you so much for the laugh, I needed it today.

Reply

Julia Park Tracey July 15, 2013 at 8:27 am

I feel so sorry for the mom — she’s all pushing her guts out and dad’s looking at the camera. BTW, that would make GREAT birth control.

Reply

Ann Y. July 15, 2013 at 9:34 am

Oh, no….it really does look like Ted Bundy !!! Have not had the chance to get to Goodwill, but scored at Kohls with a set of flameless, battery candles ( 2 pillars, 2 tapers, 3 votives, with timer and batteries!) that were marked 39.99 but marked down to 3.99 – I think that might have been a mistake because bigger sets were 49.99 for 14.99, but it rang up at 3.99….so I bought 4 sets for gifts or donations to our local library fundraiser – plus I had a coupon for 15 percent off my total, and I got 10 Kohls bucks back. Love days like that !!!!

Reply

JaneUlness July 15, 2013 at 9:55 am

I work at an antique store, I am flooded with used merchandise weekly. Some of it is cheaper than goodwill prices.

Reply

Allotment adventures with Jean July 15, 2013 at 3:20 pm

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I saw the photographs.
What will you find next!

Reply

Maryanne July 19, 2013 at 4:23 pm

Ha! I’m sure those photos weren’t nearly as horrifying to you, Katy, as they are to others in different careers! But, dang! Ewwww!!!!

Reply

Jennifer in SE Portland July 20, 2013 at 5:55 pm

I have my Sasha doll on display in my bedroom. And my husband hasn’t even uttered a peep about it. Periodically, I change her outfit. She can be a Girl Scout, a CampFire Girl, or a have a Gunne Sax look. I love the 70’s.

Reply

Katy July 20, 2013 at 7:20 pm

We could totally have a playdate.

Katy

Reply

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: