There is a unique thrill to reaching into the pocket of a secondhand bag you just “scored” and feeling something unexpected. It could be a stray bill, a lipstick, or sometimes, something far more valuable.

The question arises: Is it officially mine, or do I have a moral obligation to return it?

The Tug-of-War Between Logic and Emotion ⚖️

From a legal standpoint, most thrift stores operate on an “as-is” basis. Once the transaction is complete and you walk out the door, the item—along with everything tucked inside it—generally becomes your legal property.

However, your friend, with her experience as a thrift store manager, has a valid point. From a management perspective, she knows that many items left behind weren’t meant to be discarded; they were simply overlooked during a hasty donation.

When Should You Consider Returning It?

To make the decision easier, try categorizing the “treasure” you found:

• Personal Items (ID, family photos, journals): 📸 These are priceless to the original owner but hold no value for you. In this case, returning it to the store is the best move. Thrift shops often keep a “lost and found” log and may be able to contact the person who donated or consigned the bag.

• High-Value Items (Jewelry, precious stones, large sums of cash): 💎 This is the trickiest situation. If you return it directly to the store, there’s no guarantee it will reach the original owner—it might just become a windfall for the shop. Instead, you could leave your contact information at the store: “If anyone comes looking for an item left in a [color/brand] handbag, please have them call me.”

• Common Everyday Items (Lipstick, mirrors, small change): 💄 These are generally considered the “luck of the draw” for thrifters. You can keep these items without a shred of guilt.

A Bit of Advice 💡

Don’t let your friend’s insistence stress you out, but don’t ignore your gut feeling either. If keeping the item makes you feel “uncomfortable” in your own home, returning it or notifying the shop is the best way to clear your conscience and fully enjoy your new purchase.

Thrifting is meant to double your joy, not add to your worries. Trust your intuition!