Cardiff's Best Charity Shops
Cardiff and charity shops go together like Ant and Dec, beans and toast...you get the idea. Roath's Albany Road is a haven for all things second hand. Whether you're on a budget, searching for fancy dress costumes or looking for something to pass off as vintage, you're in the right place. With almost ten charity shops on one road, this is the ultimate street for finding a bargain. Plus, they're also great for shifting unwanted prezzies in an ethical manner. So long as no-one you know notices, which is why we've provided a handy little rating system to help you judge how good the various shops are for unloading unwanted tat. Forget designer, forget the high street, head down to your local charity shop. Itchy runs down five different charity shops in the city...
Oxfam Bookshop36 St. Mary Street
(029) 2022 2275
www.oxfam.org.uk
The most famous of the charity shops is Oxfam. Here though, the charity chain has gone one step further and opened up a bookshop. With a wider selection than most shops, you can browse through modern fiction, classics and rare collectable novels. Munch on some Fairtrade Divine chocolate whilst turning the pages of your bargain book.
Any good for flogging off crap unwanted prezzies?
If you're Granny happened to buy you another copy of Little Women, Alice in Wonderland or Gulliver's travels then this is the place to dispose of it.
Rating: 6/10
Save the Children
23 Castle Street
(029) 2022 2780
www.savethechildren.org.uk
Do your bit for the kids and purchase anything from birthday cards to bridal wear to classic videos. Mind you, prices seem to be a little higher in the city centre so there's a temptation to abandon your good intentions to charity shop and head to Primark.
Any good for flogging off crap unwanted prezzies?
Nope, this branch is far too central for the likes of Granny present dumping. What if said Granny walks part and sees the lovely woolly jumper she knitted (excuse the terrible cliché) in the window?
Rating: 4/10
103 Albany Road
(029) 2048 8513
www.barnardos.org.uk
In the heart of student land, Barnardo's is the first stop for all things fancy dress. The shop assistants have grown accustomed to young people requesting army gear, superhero props and pirate style clothing. The eager costume making students even get a 10% NUS discount.
Any good for flogging off crap unwanted prezzies?
Fine as long as the gifts aren't too shockingly terrible - now a successful charity chain, they seem to try and maintain are certain standard.
Rating: 6/10
British Heart Foundation
45 Albany Road
CF24 3LJ
(029) 2045 1455
Great for unearthing rare vinyl for your wannabe DJ boyf. This charity shops sells a descent range of clothing, books, bags and videos. Head down and start rummaging through the charity stock.
Any good for flogging off crap unwanted prezzies?
Any Granny gifts are welcome here and there's no chance that the old dear will be wondering through the ghetto streets of Albany Road.
Rating: 8/10
76 Albany Road
CF24 3RS
(029) 2048 4503
This charity shop sells absolutely everything you could ever need for less than £3.75. Fabulous for fancy dress too: who wants to spend more than a fiver to look like a pirate/superman/mermaid?
Any good for flogging off crap unwanted prezzies?
Yet another great option for unloading your birthday prezzie rejects. No chance of your naughty secret ever being discovered.
Rating: 9/10
Now that you're up with the charity shop info, there's no better time than the present to start uncovering vintage, bargain and rare delights. Give Cardiff's Queen Street a miss, stay ahead of the crowd and find something truly unique in one of the dozens of charity shops of your doorstep.
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