# A shopping list guaranteed to raise the cashier's eyebrows... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 17, 2003, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950 "2003-05-17T22:14:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Sengkelat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Sengkelat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sengkelat)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/41 "2003-05-20T17:12:58Z")
In high school, my girlfriend and I were sent to the store by her mom. We were instructed to buy: One cucumber. Yes, we got eyeballed by the clerk. Pardon my density, but what illicit uses are lithium batteries put to? Here’s a list from the pet supply store: Four leather dog collars. Four leather leashes. A riding crop. ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/42 "2003-05-20T17:53:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sengkelat \* > **Pardon my density, but what illicit uses are lithium batteries put to?** I take it you’re referring to **luckyloo’s** list. Battery acid and ephedrine (key ingredient in the cold medicine in **luckyloo’s** list) are two key components used in the manufacture of crystal meth. The other items are used in the cooking process. You’ll also need anhydrous ammonia, but you pick that up at the Fleet Farm on the way back to the double-wide … Anyway, **luckyloo** is right, many areas of the U.S. have passed laws restricting access to these items – over-the-counter cold medicines are often kept under lock and key behind the pharmacist’s counter. And in many places buying such stuff will definitely lead to a call to the cops. \ My list: Video rental: “Play Misty for Me” Map of Carmel, California Tin of tennis balls Roll of duct tape 3-pack of “Just My Size” control-top pantyhose (“Ebony” color) ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/43 "2003-05-20T18:10:18Z")
> [@](#): > > Olsen Twins Picture Book Nice touch. ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/44 "2003-05-20T18:21:05Z")
Dunno about “raising eyebrows”, but I think I briefly became the 7-Eleven cashier’s hero when I strolled in, then-girlfriend in my arm, and proceeded to purchase a large box of condoms and a large bottle of Gatorade… ---
**Author:** ![elf6c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c57346/32.png) [@elf6c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elf6c)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/45 "2003-05-20T18:39:35Z")
1 package of Wonder white bread. 1 package of cheap sliced cheese 1 small Jar of store brand Mayo. 1 large can of Beef flavored Dog Food. 1 small package of paper plates. ---
**Author:** ![Potter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Potter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potter)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/46 "2003-05-20T19:08:50Z")
I was once an assistant stage manager at a theatre putting on a production of Pal Joey. The actors were using KY Jelly to slick back their hair as it washes out easily, so I was sent to the nearest pharmacy to buy an entire crate of the stuff. The sales assistant took one look at my rainbow button and proceeded to look terrribly shocked (and rather intrigued). ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/47 "2003-05-20T19:43:00Z")
This actually happened - my brother’s birthday, and I couldn’t figure out what to get him… I decide to get him beer. So I’m in the check out line with: Birthday Cake Guinness 6-pack Killian’s 6-pack Sam Adam’s 6-pack SA Winterlager 6-pack Mike’s Hard Lemonade Hard Cider 6-pack (And bows to stick on each can) The clerk looks at the stuff and back at me and says, “I don’t know where you’re going, but take me with you!” ---
**Author:** ![Arfur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/57b2e6/32.png) [@Arfur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arfur)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/48 "2003-05-20T20:12:47Z")
30 pack of Old Style Gallon of rot-gut whisky The AA Big Book ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/49 "2003-05-20T22:00:44Z")
Three chainsaws A case of beer Lots of bandages ---
**Author:** ![pestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e5b9ba/32.png) [@pestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pestie)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/50 "2003-05-20T22:39:16Z")
I can’t believe nobody mentioned the best one ever: A bag of apples A package of razor blades …right before Halloween, of course. I’ve always wanted to try buying these items together just to see how far I got before the cops questioned me, but hey, no sense stirrin’ up trouble for nothin’… ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/51 "2003-05-20T22:42:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pestie \* > \*\*I can’t believe nobody mentioned the best one ever: > > A bag of apples > A package of razor blades > > …right before Halloween, of course. I’ve always wanted to try buying these items together just to see how far I got before the cops questioned me, but hey, no sense stirrin’ up trouble for nothin’… \*\* I bet **flodnak** can’t believe it either… ---
**Author:** ![krisolov](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/krisolov/32/3724_2.png) [@krisolov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/krisolov)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/52 "2003-05-20T23:44:44Z")
A charged car battery roll of 10 gauge wire alligator clips 40 DD underwire bra bottle of tabasco sauce jar of tartar sauce bottle of yoohoo ---
**Author:** ![sycorob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@sycorob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sycorob)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/53 "2003-05-21T00:39:43Z")
Freshman year of college, two friends and I were standing in the checkout line with about 50 rolls of toilet paper. The clerk’s looking pissed, and this guy behind us says “Heh heh. I hope you’re not planning on doing my house!” My friend looked at him and asked him, “That depends. What’s your address?” \ box of cake mix cake tin flour sugar can of icing 6" metal file ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Carnage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/max_carnage/32/12775_2.png) [@Max\_Carnage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Carnage)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/54 "2003-05-21T02:49:25Z")
On a recent trip to Target, it wasn’t until I had the items in my hand that I realized a bottle of fiber tablets and a bottle of Liquid Plumr might be a misconstrued combination. ---
**Author:** ![TheFunkySpaceCowboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a9a28c/32.png) [@TheFunkySpaceCowboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheFunkySpaceCowboy)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/55 "2003-05-21T05:09:40Z")
gotpasswords said: > [@](#): > > Spud cannons are almost too boring to mention here. > > Despite that, what’s the prize? Boring? That puppy could put a frozen spud through 1/2" plywood! As for your prize, uhm, I’ll mention you on my website next time I update it. ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/56 "2003-05-21T09:56:34Z")
White dress pillow box of condoms 2 cheap-ass rings pregnancy test Would make for one hell of a prank… Actual: Astroglide circus peanuts (among much other sweetstuff) motor oil dry-erase board ---
**Author:** ![pestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e5b9ba/32.png) [@pestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pestie)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/57 "2003-05-21T13:51:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jr8 \* > \*\*I bet **flodnak** can’t believe it either… \*\* Hey, look! I’m an **idiot**! Heh… Jeez… I have _no_ idea how I missed that. I’m going home now. ---
**Author:** ![Jpeg\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@Jpeg\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jpeg_Jones)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/58 "2003-05-21T18:24:28Z")
[ul][_]Surgical gauze[_]Adult diapers[_]one “I’m Sorry” card[_]one “Get Well Soon” card[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/59 "2003-05-21T18:56:18Z")
I do wonder sometimes when I am in line behind someone who is buying “mass quanities” of one item, and then one other, possibly unrelated item- that allows you to wonder “IS there a connection”? The closest I came to being sure was 5 1 gallon jugs of corn oil, a plastic tarp, and a box of condoms. The one I am still wondering about is the dozen boxes of laxatives… and a chocolate cake. My personal “odd list” was : a case of propane tanks, 6 rolls of duct tape, and a sledge hammer. I loved the looks on the clerks face. ---
**Author:** ![Tequila\_Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/41988e/32.png) [@Tequila\_Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tequila_Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950/60 "2003-05-21T19:02:03Z")
This one was a few years ago and caused the male cashier to blush. One six-pack of beer One bottle of aspirin One package of Today contraceptive sponges [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shopping-list-guaranteed-to-raise-the-cashiers-eyebrows/175950.md?page=4)