Chinese takeaways and a violin: The most unusual items Brits want to be buried with

'Placing items inside coffins dates back centuries'

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Argos catalogues, violins and Chinese takeaways might sound like they have nothing in common, but these items are actually among the list of unusual items Britons have asked to be buried with, according to a new survey.

Research conducted by Co-op Funeralcare based on the views of 4,000 adults and insights from funeral directors, who have conducted more than 500,000 funerals between them over the last five years, has revealed the most bizarre things people have requested as coffin keepsakes prior to their death.

The list comprises a range of household objects, snacks and miscellaneous objects, including a false leg, a pair of clown shoes, a pork pie, a set of skis, a broomstick, playing cards and half a bar of chocolate.

Also among the items mentioned are a Russian doll, a wedding dress and a dustpan and brush.

Out of those surveyed, one in five said they already knew what they wanted to be placed inside their coffins with them, with more than half requesting photographs and one in 10 citing a bottle of their favourite alcoholic drink.

Almost a fifth (17 per cent) of those surveyed said they would like to bring a letter with them while 13 per cent said they’d choose a book.

David Collingwood, director of funerals at the Co-op said: “Placing items inside coffins dates back centuries, but what we’re seeing now is a shift in more people choosing exactly which personal items they want to be buried with.

“Sometimes, those items are sentimental to the deceased such as love letters, photographs and wedding rings. Others choose items specifically to make people laugh such as a Chinese takeaway, it can be a real talking point for those left behind.”

See the full list below of the top 20 most unusual items Co-op Funeralcare has been asked to place inside a coffin.

1. Chinese takeaway
2. A false leg
3. A mobile phone
4. Wizard of Oz costume
5. A violin 
6. A pair of clown shoes
7. A set of skis
8. Argos catalogue
9. Guitar 
10. Pork pie
11. A scone, cream and jam
12. Toffee crisp
13. Broomstick
14. An autographed tennis ball
15. Dustpan and brush
16. Playing cards
17. Fishing rod
18. Half a bar of chocolate
19. A wedding dress
20. A Russian doll

You can see the full report from Co-op here.