The short answer: donate clean, working items you would feel good buying yourself. Most thrift stores accept clothing, shoes, housewares, books, decor, small furniture, and working small appliances. Many turn away mattresses, car seats, recalled items, and large or broken electronics. If you donate to a qualified charity and itemize deductions, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of what you give, as long as you keep proper records.
Donating is the other half of thrifting. Every item you give helps keep the racks full and, at many stores, supports a charitable mission. A little preparation makes your donation more useful and your drop off faster.
What Thrift Stores Usually Accept
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition
- Kitchenware, dishes, glassware, and utensils
- Home decor, frames, lamps, and linens
- Books, games, puzzles, and media
- Toys that are clean and complete
- Small furniture in good repair
- Working small appliances and some electronics
What Many Stores Turn Away
Policies vary by store and region, so check your local store’s website. Commonly refused items include:
- Mattresses, box springs, and pillows
- Car seats, cribs, and recalled baby products
- Large appliances and old tube televisions
- Hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, and propane tanks
- Broken, stained, or heavily damaged items
Items that cannot be sold cost stores money to throw away, which takes funds from their mission. Our guide on what not to buy at thrift stores explains why many of these items are a problem.
How to Prepare Your Donation
- Wash and fold clothing, and check pockets.
- Keep sets together by bagging or taping matching pieces, such as dish sets or games with all their parts.
- Test electronics and include cords and remotes.
- Wrap breakables in newspaper or towels.
- Separate by category into bags or boxes to speed up sorting.
- Drop off during open hours. Items left outside after closing can be ruined by weather.
How Charitable Tax Deductions Work for Donated Items
This section covers general United States rules as a starting point. Tax rules change and individual situations vary, so confirm details with IRS guidance or a tax professional.
- Qualified organization: only donations to qualified charitable organizations are deductible. Many nonprofit thrift stores qualify, but some thrift stores are for profit businesses.
- Itemizing: you generally need to itemize deductions to claim a charitable deduction for donated goods.
- Condition: clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better.
- Fair market value: you can typically deduct what the item would sell for in its current condition, not what you originally paid. IRS Publication 561 explains how to determine value.
- Receipts and records: ask for a receipt when you drop off, and keep your own list of items and their estimated values, ideally with photos.
- Larger donations: a single contribution of $250 or more requires a written acknowledgment from the charity, and total noncash donations over $500 in a year generally require an additional IRS form. Very high value items may need a qualified appraisal.
Thrift Stars does not provide tax advice. Use this as background and check current IRS publications for your situation.
Consider Selling Higher Value Items First
If you are clearing out designer clothing, vintage pieces, or quality furniture, you may earn more by selling them. See how to make money reselling and how to price items for a garage sale. Donate what does not sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do thrift stores take items with small stains or flaws?
Some do, and some sell damaged textiles to recyclers. Still, stores prefer items that are ready to sell. When in doubt, ask or recycle textiles through a dedicated program.
How do I know what my donated clothes are worth?
Use prices for similar items at thrift stores as a guide to fair market value, and keep a written list with photos for your records.
Can I donate to a thrift store anonymously?
Yes. You do not need to take a receipt, although you will need one if you plan to claim a tax deduction.