What can I donate to a charity shop?
Most charity shops accept clothing, books, homeware, and accessories in good condition. Here's exactly what's accepted, what isn't, and which chain to choose for specialist items.
- Clothing & shoes (clean, in good condition)
- Accessories, bags & jewellery
- Books (paperback & hardback)
- CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays & vinyl records
- Homeware, ornaments & glassware
- Toys & games (complete, safe, working)
- Small gifts & collectibles
- Duvets & pillows (hygiene reasons)
- School uniforms
- Gas appliances
- Mattresses
- Broken or damaged items
- Heavily soiled goods
- Large white goods (washing machines etc)
- Children's car seats
Which chain should I choose for specialist items?
Free home collection available across much of the UK. Furniture shops in most major cities.
Learn more →All electricals are PAT tested before sale. One of the few major chains to accept them.
Learn more →Accepts a wider range including furniture in many locations. Also arranges collection.
Learn more →Specialists in children's items. Well-organised sorting and strong demand for kids' goods.
Learn more →Oxfam Music and Oxfam Books shops in major cities specialise in higher-quality stock.
Learn more →Several Shelter shops specialise in vintage and designer items, often achieving better prices.
Learn more →How to donate correctly
Sort your items
Go through everything and separate items that are clean, complete, and in a sellable condition. Be honest — if you wouldn't pay 50p for it at a car boot sale, the shop can't sell it either.
Wash clothing & textiles
Launder all clothing, shoes, and soft accessories. Clean items sell faster and at higher prices. Shops receive hundreds of bags a week — volunteers appreciate the effort.
Choose the right chain
Match your items to the right chain. BHF for furniture and electricals. Barnardo's for children's items. Oxfam for books. Shelter for vintage. See the guide above.
Sign a Gift Aid declaration
If you're a UK taxpayer, signing a Gift Aid form when you donate allows the charity to claim 25% extra from HMRC on everything your items raise — at no cost to you.
Drop off or book collection
Bring items to the shop during opening hours (usually Mon–Sat 9am–5pm). For large items, book a free BHF home collection at bhf.org.uk/shop.
Boost your donation by 25% — for free
If you're a UK taxpayer, signing a Gift Aid declaration when you donate items means the charity can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 your items raise when sold. It costs you nothing and takes 30 seconds. Ask for the form at the shop counter.
How Gift Aid works at charity shops →Donation questions answered
Do I get Gift Aid if I donate to a charity shop?
Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer. When you donate goods and sign a Gift Aid declaration, the charity can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 the items raise when sold. This costs you nothing. Most shops will offer a Gift Aid form when you bring in a donation.
Should I wash clothes before donating to a charity shop?
Yes. Charity shop volunteers process hundreds of items every week and greatly appreciate clean, freshly laundered items. Dirty or malodorous items typically get discarded rather than sold, so washing maximises the benefit to the charity.
What happens to items that don't sell?
Unsold items are typically sorted for rag merchants (textiles) or recycled. Some chains send surplus stock to textile recyclers or international clothing aid programmes. Nothing is wasted — even unsaleable clothing generates income for the charity as textile recycling.
Can I donate a full house clearance to a charity shop?
For a full house clearance, the best options are the British Heart Foundation (free home collection for furniture and useable goods) and the Salvation Army (accepts a wider range including furniture). Call your local branch to discuss what they can accept and arrange a collection if needed.
Can I donate books in any condition?
Books should be complete (no torn pages or missing sections), dry, and free from mould. Charity shops sell a high volume of books and can be selective — clean, well-kept paperbacks and hardbacks in good condition are always welcome. Damaged, mouldy, or very old encyclopaedias are generally not accepted.