Searching for an out-of-the-box holiday gift for someone in your life? Look no further than GC Surplus, the site where the Government of Canada auctions off seized and surplus items in its possession to the general public.
As you can imagine, it gets wacky. But there are some gems to be found.
Listed below are 15 items, ranging from cars to holiday decorations, currently up for auction in Quebec.
Note that prices listed are minimum bids as of the time of writing.
These items will also disappear from the site once the bidding period has ended.
To place a bid, you first have to register on the site.
Good luck!
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Mobile Service Desk
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $30
Details: For your restaurant or (post-COVID) party needs. The shelf folds!
2014 Ford Taurus
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $3,700
Details: One of the many (many, many, many, many, many) cars up on GC Surplus. This particular vehicle appears to be in decent shape (unlike others on the site), though GC Surplus makes clear that there hasn't been a mechanical inspection.
It also comes to you from the Department of National Defence, so that's interesting.
Slicer
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $235
Details: For a nice ham sandwich — though it's unclear if this thing is safe to handle food. GC Surplus notes that it's rusty, dented, and scratched.
Scraps Of Clothes
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $358
Details: This lot of scrap textile and leather might just suit your craft needs.
240 Bubble Wrap Rolls
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $42
Details: To wrap a lot of presents or host a popping bonanza — your choice.
Cute Little Utility Vehicle
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $6,800
Details: It's been knocked around (GC Surplus says it has rust and dents) and the engine needs a boost to start. But with some care, it could be someone's ideal utility vehicle.
Lots Of Wood
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $105
Details: Fir, to be exact. This 110-foot-long by 4.5-feet-high lot (called a cord) is also "very accessible." It's apparently just sitting by the road.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $6,100
Details: Yes, a Corvette. Though you can't drive it in Canada because it "doesn't meet Transport Canada's standards." It's for exportation only.
Outdoor Fireplace
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $160
Details: For cozy nights outside. It also appears to have a grill.
5 Pairs Of Boots
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $163.15
Details: They're used and they look it. But maybe they'll be good work boots?
Camera Lenses
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $520
Details: The lenses "have been declared usable and functional" so they could be good for the photographer in your life.
50 Rolls Of Stickers
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $6.50
Details: The possibilities are endless. Each roll has 500 stickers.
Santa & Other Holiday Decorations
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $18.50
Details: There's also a snowman hat and decorative stuffed stockings. This confiscated Santa statue is looking for a new mantlepiece home.
An ATV
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $4,300
Details: This one's got a lot of issues ("starts with a boost," "the acceleration is delayed," "handbrake cable doesn't work"), but maybe someone will be able to fix it up.
A 54-Seat Bus
GC SurplusMinimum bid: $30,000
Details: Last but certainly not least is this bad boy. He requires some TLC, but GC Canada says his body is in "good general condition." And there's a toilet in the back!
