Woke up to another sunny day today; and decided I might as well get my 'Barbie project' over and done with... I.e. get the dolls off to the charity shop. So I went off on a bus ride (+walk) 'across town' again (I think for the fourth time in a couple of months!). The shop I had decided on is run by the Salvation Army. They have a chain of 2nd hand shops all over the country and a generally good reputation. I had packed the dolls in a double paper bag, with an old bath towel wrapped around them inside for extra protection; and I left it with a shop assistant at the counter, explaining its content briefly: Barbie dolls from the 1960s, individually packed, each with a set of clothes. I think I saw a certain gleam in the assistant's eye when I said "1960s"... - and I added that I'd also left a note about that inside. (In fact I had added a brief note with each doll, stating that they're from the 1960s, not played with since then, and the home-made clothes also from the 60s, but recently washed.) So that was that... Whether my dolls end up with children or collectors, I hope they'll each make someone happy - and bring in some money for the Salvation Army's social work as well.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to keep two dolls though (one Barbie and one Skipper, plus some of all the clothes my mum made). That I think will be enough to save me from any regrets about giving the rest away!
After I had made my donation, I took a turn around the shop... Have to confess I still prefer buying new clothes - but I found a handbag (with shoulder strap) that I liked: "right size", dark red, and did not look like it had been used much... So I ended up also buying that before I left! (Telling myself that another time, I'll donate some other bags that turned out less useful purchases and were never much used by myself!)
I think the Barbies are worth a lot of money, and Salvation Army is such a great place to leave them. Pretty purse; I have gotten a lot of purses from Goodwill. Our Salvation Army stores seem to be closing for some reason.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I'm happy to leave the evaluation to others in this case!
DeleteWhat a coincidence. I also bought a dark red leather crossbody bag this past week from the local Hospice charity shop where I volunteer. A £3 bargain, doesn't look as if it has been used at all.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a bargain indeed, JC. I'm not up to date with the exact current exchange rate but I paid around £15 for mine and found that a fair price.
DeleteGood choice on all accounts!
ReplyDeleteI have too many handbags I never use, most of them were gifts so I did not choose them myself.
Meike I seem to be constantly hunting for Hermione's beaded bag from the last Harry Potter book (minus the beads)... (For non-HP fans, that's a tiny bag with the capacity to hold a fully equipped tent for three people + plus about half of the Hogwarts library...) Haven't found that yet but this one will do for short walks... ;)
DeleteI've never bought anything from a Charity shop, although they have been recipients of many items from me. I'm usually so glad to pass on things that I steel myself not to buy anything to take away with me. I feel it defeats the object of clearing out!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I only bought this bag because it actually pretty much matched what I'd been looking for elsewhere as well. I have black one that's served me well during the winter but wanted one in similar size but a different colour for summer...
DeleteI like the color of the purse, since i don't use them but rarely, I only have two purses. if i used purses i would like this one. good job pushing through and getting them out of the house. I hope they can sell them for a lot of money to help others.
ReplyDeleteSandra, a bag is as essential to me as clothes when I go out even for a short walk... Never understood how guys seem to manage without them!! (Lol)
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