5 Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Could Donate to the Thrift Store

Published on September 16, 2025

Few things rival the thrill of snagging a thrift store gem, whether it’s a perfectly broken-in pair of jeans or a coffee table that feels like it was made for your living room. A close second? The satisfaction of dropping off a box of your own donations, knowing they’ll get a second life. While clothes and furniture are always welcome, many thrift stores accept a wider range of items than you might expect.

Here are five surprising things you can donate—and why they’re worth giving away instead of throwing away.

1. Candles

We likely all have a candle or two we haven't gotten around to burning yet—and may never will—whether it's because we changed our mind about the scent or we just forgot about it. Luckily, many thrift stores will take them off your hands so someone else can enjoy it.

2. Unused Art Supplies

Some hobbies never come to fruition, and that's okay. If you have any unused canvases, paint brushes or fabric samples laying around, your local thrift store would love to regift them to a fellow hobbyist. Same goes for any artwork you are looking to swap out for something new.

3. Picture Frames

Donating picture frames to a thrift store serves a variety of purposes. They may sell them as-is, frame donated artwork that came without one, or repurpose them in-house to use as in-store signage. If you have frames that no longer match your decor style, drop them off at the thrift store. While you're there, pick out a few new frames that pair well with the aesthetic you're going for.

4. Calculators and School Supplies

Remember shelling out what seemed like a million dollars for a scientific calculator when you were in school? You can help the next generation of school kids by donating any old (but functional) calculators for them to scoop up during back-to-school shopping. The same goes for many other unused or still-functional school supplies, like backpacks, unopened packs of paper or binders, and even sports equipment for school activities.

5. Vehicles

Feeling extra generous? Local charities—and even secondhand shops like Goodwill—are often in need of car donations. Yes, really! Whether or not your donated car runs, charity organizations can:

• Sell it for money to fund charity programs and initiatives
• Use it to transport goods to other locations or people in need
• Donate it to a family in need of transportation
  

Always Double Check Before You Donate

Not all thrift stores are created equal. Before you load up your car with prospective donations, check the list of items your local thrift store accepts and does not accept. You don't want to have to come home with the same items you planned on parting with!