Shopping in Britain
Finding British Culture Along With Unique Goods in Charity Shops
Looking for ways to stretch your travel budget in Great Britain? Longing to get off the beaten path of tourist shops? Check out the local charity shops -- where you can find value, unique items, and a bit of British culture.
Strength of the British Pound = Charity Shop Opportunities
Compared to many other currencies, such as the American dollar, the British pound is currently very strong. This means that you will have to pay much more for goods and services when visiting Great Britain. For example, you will pay approximately 2 dollars for 1 pound of goods or services if you are using the American dollar as your method of currency exchange. British charity shops offer a way to stretch your travel budget. You will find an abundance of unique items and gift ideas at very reasonable prices.
Unique Items in Charity Shops
What will you find in a charity shop? Almost anything: paintings, clothes, shoes, knickknacks, books, music, movies, antiques, and an assortment of kitchen items. Many items will be made in the United Kingdom, and others will be foreign imports that individuals have bought while on holiday. Not only will you have the satisfaction of finding something unique that you wouldn't find in a tourist shop, but you will also have made an important contribution in giving to a charity that needs your help.
A Bit of British Culture in Charity Shops
A bit of off the beaten path guide advice to Great Britain – you won't find many tourists in these shops. And you will learn a lot about the culture of a specific area of Great Britain by visiting local charity shops. Charity shop items in London will be different from those in Liverpool. Fashion and furnishing styles will also change from place to place.
The Charities
It is estimated that there are over 7000 charity shops in the UK. Here is a short list to get you started in your shopping:
Oxfam – Started in 1947, it is one of the bigger charities in Great Britain. The charity is a development, relief, and campaigning organization that works with others to overcome poverty and suffering around the world. Oxfam also has an online shop, where you can purchase donated items or get involved in relief efforts around the world.
British Heart Foundation – This charity is involved in fighting heart and circulatory diseases. It funds research, education, and life-saving equipment and helps patients. The BHF also has an online shop where you can buy items or learn how to combat heart and circulatory diseases.
PDSA – The UK's leading veterinary charity, it provides free veterinary treatment to sick and injured animals and promotes responsible pet ownership. PDSA has an online shop where you can sponsor a pet, learn about animal care and nutrition, or how to care for various types of pets.
Help the Aged – An international charity fighting to free disadvantage older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. You can sponsor a grandparent overseas on their online site, get advice for the elderly, purchase mobility products or independent living aids.
Sources:
The British Heart Foundation
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