9 Things Thrift Stores Wish More People Would Donate

Shelving with various thrift store items like glassware and ornaments — Credit:
Charday Penn / Getty Images

It's easy to prioritize donating old clothes and shoes during spring cleaning or a big move, but many everyday items rarely make it into the donation cycle—despite being just as useful. Clothing and footwear remain in high demand year-round, but part of the appeal of thrift shopping is discovering unique household items that can refresh a space, entertain a child, or help furnish a new home.

"Something that makes thrift shopping so special and unique is that the inventory is one-of-a-kind and is always changing," says Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer of Goodwill Industries International. "Many shoppers visit their local Goodwill every week because they know they’ll see something new and different each time, and that dynamic cannot work if we don’t have a steady flow of donations coming in."

If you're looking for inspiration this spring, consider what else you can pass along. We spoke with thrift store experts to learn which items they wish more people would donate. Some may surprise you, while others are everyday essentials that can make a meaningful difference for someone else. Ahead, we share nine items to consider donating to your local thrift store, plus how to ensure each item is in good condition for its next owner.

Dino Danylo Pinto, communications and events manager at St. Vincent de Paul CARES
Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer of Goodwill Industries International
The Salvation Army

How To Ensure Your Items Are Donation-Ready

If you shop at thrift stores, you know the thrill of finding something beautiful and in good condition to take home. Before dropping off donations, make sure each item shows only normal wear. Items should not have stains, strong odors, major damage, or safety issues, according to the Salvation Army team. "Household goods and electronics should be safe and in working order, and furniture should be sturdy and clean. A simple rule of thumb for donors is: 'Gently used and ready for someone else to enjoy today.'"

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Unopened Personal Care Items

A surprising item thrift stores love to receive is unopened personal care products, according to Dino Danylo Pinto, communications and events manager at St. Vincent de Paul CARES. As you clean out closets and cabinets, consider donating any items you have in excess and no longer plan to use.

If you know a product will go unused—or you were planning to throw it away—donating it instead helps reduce waste and allows someone else to benefit from it.

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Picture Frames

Picture frames tend to accumulate over the years, especially since they make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. If you have frames you no longer use, consider donating them to a thrift store. Before donating, make sure the glass or plastic is intact so it can properly protect the photo inside.

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Small Household Appliances and Electronics

"Everyday household items and electronics can be among the most useful and fastest-selling items that people often overlook," says the Salvation Army.

Think of toasters, blenders, radios, extra cable cords, and chargers sitting unused around your home. Before donating any household appliances or electronics, plug them in to make sure they work properly.

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Seasonal and Holiday Décor

Seasonal and holiday decorations are especially popular thrift store finds, particularly during the fall and winter months, says Pinto. However, you can donate them year-round and delight shoppers with an unexpected off-season find.

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Tools

Miscellaneous tools you no longer use—whether single items or full sets you plan to upgrade—make great donations. Tools tend to accumulate over the years, especially if you have a garage or workstation.

Passing them along not only frees up space but also helps someone who is setting up a new home get started with the essentials.

Furniture

Quality furniture is one of the most valuable thrift store finds—and one that many stores are eager to receive when they have the capacity. "These items are valuable because they help families furnish and set up a home affordably while also giving shoppers access to everyday essentials they might not otherwise be able to purchase new," says Pinto.

Some donation centers don't accept furniture, so call ahead to confirm before dropping it off.

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Outdoor Game Sets and Sporting Equipment

Outdoor game sets and sporting equipment are especially valuable finds this time of year, according to Crawley. These items are often overlooked as donations, so they can be harder to come by in stores.

If you have older children, you may have more to give than you realize tucked away in the garage. Consider donating the games they once set up in the yard during warmer months—it gives another child the chance to make new memories.

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Gardening Tools

After spring cleaning, items that encourage people to spend time outdoors—such as gardening tools—tend to see a surge in interest, says Crawley. Essentials like a hand trowel for planting, pruning shears, a spade or shovel for digging, and even a rake for clearing debris are all valuable items to donate.

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Jewelry

Donating jewelry—whether costume or fine pieces—is always welcome at the thrift stores and remains a favorite among shoppers.

Higher-value items can make a significant impact on organizations. According to the Salvation Army, these pieces are often routed through its online marketplaces to reach a wider audience and better support its mission.