21 People Reveal The Strangest And Most Heartwarming Things They Inherited
The good, the bad, and the what-the-hell.
Imagine waking up one morning to discover you've inherited a family treasure, but instead of a chest of gold or a stately home, it's something... unexpected.
Inheritances have long been a symbol of wealth passed through generations, but not all are about financial gain. For some, what’s left behind is far more interesting—and sometimes downright strange.
Take, for instance, a man who inherited a 200-year-old jar of pickles from his great-great-grandfather. It had been passed down for generations, each family member adding their own touch of spice to the brine.
Or the woman who received her grandmother’s prized collection of antique buttons—thousands of them, each with its own history but entirely useless in the modern world.
From rare comic book collections to long-lost love letters and even taxidermy collections (yes, that happened), inheritances can take on bizarre forms.
In one thread on Quora, several individuals shared the most fascinating and strangest things they’ve inherited, leaving readers both amused and intrigued. For some, the windfall was life-changing, while for others, it was more of a quirky keepsake that made for a good story.
Hold on to your seats as we reveal the top 21 on our list. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you might even find yourself wishing for a strange inheritance of your own!
1. Twenty-eight years of memories and melodies wrapped up in wood and ivory.
My grandfather's grand piano. As young as I can remember, I begged him to let me have it when he was "done with it." When he passed last year, I received the piano, and with it came 28 years of memories, love, and wisdom he shared with me. It quite literally represents my relationship with him, and I will cherish that forever.
readycent , Artur Stec / pexels2. These drafting tools were in the family before Google SketchUp. Proof that some things never go out of style.
My grandfather left me his father's drafting tools from the early 1900s. A full wood boxed set of ink-based tools for drafting. He was a civil engineer; I am an architect, so I know how to use them. I think they were a college graduation present to him in 1904.
Matt Anderson , el cajon yacht club / flickr3. Stress relief passed down through generations—move over, fidget spinners!
A walnut.My grandfather, who died long before I was born, carried it around in his pocket so he had something to fidget with. It was never explicitly admitted, but the inference is he had stress issues after the double whammy of being at the Somme in the First World War and an air raid patrol warden during the Second. It's nearly black and worn smooth, more like a pebble now. If I'm doing something important, I put it in my pocket for luck.
anon , Pixabay / pexels
A family therapist, Dr. Laura Berman, emphasizes that inherited objects can carry deep emotional weight, often representing unresolved family issues or unspoken connections. These heirlooms, whether they be a quirky jar of pickles or a carefully preserved quilt, often evoke nostalgia while also prompting reflection on family dynamics.
Understanding the emotional significance of these items can be pivotal in processing grief and celebrating legacies. Dr. Berman suggests engaging in conversations with family members about the stories behind these objects to foster connection and healing.
Financial expert Farnoosh Torabi emphasizes that the emotional and financial aspects of inheritances should be navigated carefully. She states, "Understanding the potential tax implications and costs associated with maintaining unique items is crucial for making informed decisions." Torabi recommends creating a comprehensive inventory of inherited items, along with their estimated values. This proactive approach can make it easier to determine whether to keep, sell, or donate these items, ensuring that they bring joy rather than stress.
4. Who needs money when you’ve inherited Dad’s hooked nose and ‘other’ prominent features?
I got my father's hooked nose, beady eyes, and tiny crooked penis.It was the strangest will reading I've ever attended.
Robert Taylor , Kevin Bidwell / pexels
5. Forget the cash. Dad’s Stetson hat was priceless—especially after coming out to him two months before he passed. Tears and all.
The very best and the one thing that is my most prized possession is my father's Stetson hat that he always wore. The thing that means the most to me about it is that I came out to him 2 to 3 months before his passing, and he made sure I knew that he loved me no matter what. To get the one thing that meant so much to him made me cry my eyes out. It is taken care of and means more to me than if I had received $10,000 cash. I feel so loved every time I see it, and I know he is still with me. Money is gone in a heartbeat; that hat will last a lifetime. I miss you, Dad, and thank you for accepting the daughter you only found out about right before you passed on. I will always love you.
Lisa Corbett , puuikibeach / flickr
6. Cats: the ultimate commitment inheritance
My friend left me his cats. I take very good care of them. I hope he is in heaven looking down and that he’s happy.
Fran Brochstein , Nina Hill / pexels
According to financial expert Suze Orman, unexpected inheritances can also pose unique challenges. She points out that many individuals are unprepared for the financial implications of sudden wealth or unusual items. For instance, a rare collectible might require valuation, insurance, and proper care to maintain its worth.
Orman advises that anyone receiving an unexpected inheritance should consult a financial planner to navigate taxes, estate laws, and potential selling strategies. This proactive approach can ensure that the inheritance is a blessing rather than a burden.
7. When your granddad was an Academy legend, gold statues beat gold bars any day
I inherited two of my grandfather's (Charles Brackett) four Academy Awards. One is for Best Screenplay for The Lost Weekend, and the other is for his service to the Academy as its president. The other two Oscars are with my sister and my cousin. They are for Sunset Boulevard and Titanic (the 1950s version).
Jim Moore
8. Not a bad way to carry the past in your pocket
My mum, last week, gave me a silver pocket watch that my grandfather left to me. Engraved inside is a retirement message to my great-great-great-grandfather from his employer, dated 1849. Pretty cool.
awan001 , cottonbro studio / pexels
9. People will really give it all away in a heartbeat just to see their loved ones again
My great aunt (and godmother) left me a small amount while I was in college, maybe $2,000 or so. It was greatly appreciated.Many years later, my father died (my mom was already gone), and my brother and I received equal halves of his estate. He had had a good, long life and missed my mom, so he was ready to go. I was the executor of his estate, and it was pretty cut and dried except for having to sell his house, and that dragged on for a while.Two years ago, my brother died very unexpectedly, and I was his executor and sole heir. Again, I had to sell a house, this time five states away. And I miss him every day. I wish I could trade that inheritance for having him back.
Xena Lee , Pavel Danilyuk / pexels
Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her research on grit and perseverance, highlights how the stories of inherited items often reflect the values and struggles of previous generations. These narratives can serve as powerful motivators for younger family members.
Understanding the context of an inheritance can instill a sense of pride and purpose. Dr. Duckworth encourages families to document these stories, possibly through a family history project, to reinforce connections and inspire future generations.
10. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that matter most—but we can all agree this was a grand gesture
I did receive an inheritance from Mom and Dad. However, I was awfully young when I met a very old lady, who was a relative of mine, from New York. I cannot remember her name, as I am sixty-nine years old now, and I was less than ten years old back then. I do recall she was handing out small trinkets and tokens to me, my brother, and my sisters.My sisters each received a ring or a necklace. My brother received a tie clasp and cuff links. I received an old watch. The watch wasn’t working; it was broken. I’m certain I had no appreciation for that gift at the time. It took me some years to understand that these few trinkets were all she had to offer us as an inheritance.It’s an old wristwatch. It is still broken. Yet, this old lady boarded a plane…in the 1950s…and made the arduous trek across these United States…just to give us children what she had to offer. I will never know her name. I believe she was on my paternal side of the family, as I received the watch in the home of my paternal grandfather. But I treasure that old watch.It was given to me by someone I didn’t know. It was given to me by someone I would never meet again. I THINK she was my Great Aunt Etta, but I am not too sure. However, I am touched that an old lady who I had never met wanted to give me something I could never use. It was her thoughtfulness for a young relative she had never met that made this inheritance so meaningful.
James T. Bawden , Alan Levine / flickr
11. A spooky cottage, a grumpy dog, and a few grand—sounds like the setup for a cozy mystery
I was left a small, dilapidated cottage, a small cross dog, and £3,000 when I was 14 years old. From a retired school teacher who lived down the lane from my parents.I had avoided her and her cottage as much as possible when she was alive because other children told me she was a witch, and believe me, everything seemed plausible when you're six years old walking down dark lanes in the winter. I was always petrified for years; I used to bolt past her cottage.Now, her little dog (Ruby) was a frequent unannounced visitor to our house, and I was always given the job of returning her to old Mrs. Gillespie. That was the only time I reluctantly spoke to her; she used to grab my jumper sleeve and pull me into her kitchen. I was powerless against her strength, especially as I was holding Ruby by a bit of string.The kitchen was dark, damp, outdated, and had strange odors and preserving jars full of all sorts.
Daniel Woodbridge
12. A reminder that life, like this coin, doesn't always play fair
My mother, before passing away, gave me a coin with both sides as tails.She told me my eldest brother (born on 15 August, named Aazad) died in her lap because the hospital denied service for just this 1 rupee.
Keshri
Inheriting unusual items often sparks curiosity and creativity. A life coach like Tony Robbins believes that embracing the unexpected can lead to personal growth. For example, someone who inherits a vintage typewriter might explore creative writing or journaling.
Robbins suggests treating these items as opportunities for new experiences. Instead of viewing them solely as family relics, individuals can reframe their purpose, using them as catalysts for exploring passions and developing new skills.
13. Now that’s what they call a well-tuned legacy
Not me, but my brother. He's a musician and band director and has been playing piano since he was 8. He knows that he will eventually inherit the piano he learned on, which is still in our mom's living room. When our grandmother died, he got the piano from her house, intending it for his daughter, who had just been born. When he went to move it, he found the bill of sale tucked in an envelope on the back of the piano. The date on the receipt showed that it was originally purchased exactly 40 years to the day before his daughter was born. She learned to play on it and now has a Master's Degree in Music Education and teaches at a local high school. That piano is in her house.
anon , Karol Carvalho / pexels
14. Who needs IKEA when you’ve got these 150-year-old marble-topped beauties? No screws, no nails—just centuries of family history holding it all together
Two dressers that are both over 150 years old. No screws or nails, and marble-topped.
Caliblair , Thomas Quine / flickr
15. Who knew a Bible could hold more than faith
Not mine personally, but my family has been passing down the same Bible since 1886. It has a ton of cool things in it, like a report card from the 1890s, original newspaper clippings from when WWI was declared, ads from the early 1920s, etc.
whoismadi , Stephanie Young Merzel / flickr
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a child development expert, points out that the stories behind inherited items can play a significant role in shaping children's understanding of family history and identity. Sharing these narratives can help younger generations feel a sense of belonging and connection.
To maximize this benefit, Bryson recommends families create traditions around the sharing of these stories during gatherings, fostering a deeper appreciation for their heritage. This practice can help instill values and resilience in children while reinforcing family bonds.
16. A guitar that’s been strumming through the family since 1961.
My grandfather's 1961 acoustic Gibson guitar. It's amazing. It may not be worth millions, but it's more sentimental to me than the money I'd get for selling it.
lonelyoboe , Freebird / flickr
17. Proof that sometimes, inheritance isn’t just about money—it’s about the people who change your life.
I had a friend whom I met while we both worked in a care home. We got on well and saw each other away from work, visiting each other, etc. He retired, and I lost my job. He invited me to his for Christmas after the New Year. I was expecting to go home. I lived in a rented flat, and he had a bungalow. He asked me if I was willing to stay. He had COPD and needed help. I would bathe him and take him out in a wheelchair. His elderly uncle also lived there and cooked our meals. After a few years, my friend got shingles, then he got sepsis, and he stopped eating and passed away. He left his uncle and me the right to live in his bungalow for the rest of our lives, with only bills to pay and no rent. It was written in his will that until we pass away, no one can contest it. The uncle died a few years ago, a day before he turned 100 years old. After I die, the bungalow will go to his daughter. Both of them also left me some financial help. I feel grateful that I went from an unemployed man living in a basement flat to living in a lovely two-bedroom bungalow. I am so lucky to have known them as friends, and they both ended up showing me that they appreciated my help and helped me have a positive outlook on my future. I didn't inherit the bungalow, but I have the next best thing: a nice home.
Alan , Calmuziclover / flickr
18. A WWI trench knife that has been slicing through family history for generations. Oh, the stories within those blades!
A World War I trench knife. It's been in the family for generations.
CrazyKSG , Gary Todd / flickr
When it comes to odd inheritances, a psychologist from the University of Michigan suggests that they can serve as conversation starters, helping to break the ice during family gatherings. Unusual items like a pickle jar can lead to humorous anecdotes and bonding experiences, easing tensions that may arise during stressful family dynamics.
The key is to embrace these moments. By sharing laughter and stories about odd heirlooms, families can strengthen their connections, making the past a source of unity rather than division.
19. Nothing better than when real estate comes with a furry bonus
A house. My mom and dad bought it for $38,000, no money down. When Dad died, he left the house to Mom. When she died, I sold it for $245,000.Oh, yes…she also left me her two cats.
Stan Blue , Pixabay / pexels
20. This is the kind of windfall that hits all the right notes
A gilded concert pedal harp.It was left to me by a friend of our family who was a professional harpist.
anon , James Jordan / flickr
21. How very unfortunate
I found out my great-grandmother left me almost $30,000 in cash she'd been putting into a bank account since I was born.Unfortunately, she put my mom's name on the account, so that money was gone before I even knew about it. I found out about it when I was 25, when my grandfather asked what I'd done with the money.But hey, my mom got to lease a new car and buy a decorative fish tank, so it all worked out in the end.
anon , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels
Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, notes that heirlooms often serve as tangible links to our ancestors, reinforcing social bonds. She explains that these connections can influence our emotional health positively, creating a sense of continuity and identity.
Fisher encourages families to regularly discuss the significance of these inherited items, as this practice not only honors the past but also enriches present relationships. By acknowledging the stories behind these objects, families can cultivate a deeper appreciation for their shared history.
And there you have it—21 stories of the good, the bad, and the truly strange inheritances people have received. Some were life-changing, others just plain odd, but every one of them has a tale worth telling.
Who knows? You might even start looking at your own relatives' old knick-knacks differently.
Clinical Perspective & Next Steps
Inheriting both odd and cherished items can evoke complex emotions and create opportunities for deeper family connections. Experts like Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, emphasize that "the stories we tell about our inherited possessions can deepen our relationships and understanding of one another." Additionally, Farnoosh Torabi, a financial expert, notes that "navigating the financial aspects of inheritance requires open communication and a clear understanding of responsibilities." By engaging with the narratives behind inherited possessions, families can foster resilience and appreciation while addressing any financial responsibilities. Ultimately, these heirlooms can serve as lasting reminders of love, legacy, and the quirks that make each family unique.
