Where to Donate Unwanted Gifts After Christmas
Turn extra gifts into help with drop-off options, pickup choices, and tax receipts to keep.
Donate unwanted Christmas gifts to thrift charities, Habitat ReStores, and local shelters that accept everyday goods. Save new, unwrapped toys for the next pre-Christmas toy drive. Sort gifts by condition and size before you choose a site.
Small goods fit drop-off bins, while furniture and appliances may need pickup.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
Which thrift drop-offs take everyday gifts?
Goodwill Industries International says it accepts clothing, housewares, electronics, furniture, books and other gently used goods. It lists more than 3,300 stores and donation centers, with a zip-code locator to find donation sites. Resale revenue funds job training and community services.
The Salvation Army says it accepts clothing, furniture, automobiles, household goods and appliances. Donations go to Family Stores and drop-off sites.
Where does large furniture go?
Habitat for Humanity International says ReStores accept new and gently used furniture, appliances, housewares and building materials in person. A ReStore is a resale shop that supports affordable-home building. Many locations offer free pickup of large items.
The Salvation Army offers free scheduled pickup of large items. Donors enter a ZIP code at SATruck.org or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK, according to pickup information from The Salvation Army.
What should you do with duplicate toys?
Marine Toys for Tots says it collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year. The toys are distributed as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children in the local campaign community. Marine Toys for Tots lists Cincinnati's 2026 drive as Oct.
1-Dec. 19 in the Cincinnati 2026 campaign schedule. Marine Toys for Tots takes only new, unwrapped toys and books.
Opened or used Christmas duplicates do not qualify and must go to thrift charities, shelters, or be saved for the next pre-Christmas drive.
How do shelters use winter gifts?
The Salvation Army says local homeless shelters and housing programs use donated winter coats, blankets, towels, toiletries and household necessities. Shelter residents receive vouchers or kits for free clothing and hygiene items. Coats and bedding in clean, usable condition help most.
Bag toiletries together and keep coat zippers working. Call the shelter first to confirm current needs and drop-off hours.
What paperwork supports a tax deduction?
The Internal Revenue Service says noncash gifts must go to a qualified organization and be valued under its Publication 561 rules for donated property. Donors should keep receipts and supporting records, as explained in guidance about Publication 561. Practical implication: get a dated receipt and confirm the charity's qualified status.
Keep that receipt with the tax records for the year claimed.
- Give only to a qualified organization.
- Value the gift under Publication 561 rules.
- Keep a dated receipt and supporting records.