Alyssa Grigg, the senior director of marketing and communications at Goodwill, shares the top three categories of items that thrift stores are always happy to receive. Plus, learn which items they wish people would stop donating because they can’t be resold (and end up costing the store in disposal fees).

1. Quality Housewares

A donation that thrift stores are always happy to receive is quality housewares. “A recent favorite has been crockpots,” Grigg shares. Other items to consider donating are quality cookware, small countertop appliances in good working condition, or dishware. When donating housewares, make sure they are clean, all parts are included, and the items are in good working condition—especially if they are electric.

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2. In-Season Items

People shop at thrift stores the same way they shop at other stores—seasonally. This means that the list of things thrift stores want you to donate changes based on the season.

“We see the same shifts in demand like any other retailer,” Grigg says. In the fall, Grigg says donations of warm layers, boots, and cozy home goods are always appreciated. Then, as the holidays approach, festive home decor, gift-worthy items, and kitchenware all sell out quickly.

“If you’re doing a closet purge, think about what’s relevant now—your donation will go further and do more good,” Grigg shares.

3. Collectibles and Limited-Edition Items

Thrift stores have become a popular source for people hunting for treasures for their homes. Whether it’s original artwork, a beautiful piece of pottery, or a hard-to-find collectible item, you never know what you might come across at a thrift store, given the ever-changing inventory. Grigg says collectibles and limited edition items are always welcome donations for thrift stores. Shoppers often search thrift stores for valuable and rare items at good prices, so these donations are guaranteed to sell quickly.

What Thrift Stores Don't Want You to Donate

“We’re incredibly grateful for every donation which fuels our non-profit mission, but we do see a lot of items that unfortunately can’t be resold—things like broken furniture, food, household chemicals, or beauty products,” Grigg shares. She explains that these items often end up costing the thrift store in disposal fees that, in the case of Goodwill, take away from the resources the store can invest in its mission.

“A good rule of thumb is: Would you buy it yourself? If the answer is yes, it’s probably a great donation,” Grigg says.

Before dropping off a tub full of donations at a thrift store, be sure to check their list of accepted items. The list may vary from store to store and is likely to change seasonally, so be sure to double-check what’s accepted and what’s not before donating.