BHF shops
What do charity shops want you to donate?
This March we’re encouraging the public to declutter and donate items to our 710 nationwide stores. But what do charity shops really want you to give? Our retail experts give the low-down on what to donate to fund our heart research.
Books, books and more books!
“Charity shops are a fantastic place to pick up recent bestsellers or well-loved classics, but we need your help to stay fully stocked,” says Senior Regional Director, Jane Flannery. “As we all stayed at home during the pandemic, the British public couldn’t get enough of secondhand cookbooks, or books about baking – not to mention new releases and best sellers. Donating a book you’ve already read is a great way to give to charity at no cost to you – you can even post them to us via our free donation service.”
“Charity shops are also a great destination for signed or limited-edition copies you might have on your shelves. Anything unique will find its way to the BHF eBay store where they’ll go to auction and raise even more money for our heart research.”
Trainers
If you’re upgrading your Vejas or clearing out your back log of no-longer-worn Nikes, charity shops are the perfect place to give sneakers a new lease of life - and avoid them from going to landfill. “We often get younger customers coming by looking for retro and branded trainers,” says Jane, “but they don’t stay on our shelves for very long!”
Fridges
Did you know that our charity shops sell secondhand fridges, freezers and washing machines? We’ll even come and pick them up from your home, for free. Preloved white goods can be a lifesaver for those unable to afford brand new ones and by donating them to charity you might just avoid council costs for picking them up! Book your free collection here.
Retro or vintage fashion
“From 90s sportswear to 70s wedding dresses, our customers can’t get enough of the looks from yesteryear. Your unwanted adidas poppers that have been stashed in the attic, could be our Gen Z shopper’s hot new purchase,” says Retail Director Allison Swaine-Hughes. According to a recent BHF survey, 84 per cent of UK adults hold onto items they no longer use, with Baby Boomers (55-73) the worst generation for hoarding; so why not dig deep and donate those old-school pieces to help fund vital charity work.
Nintendo gaming consoles
The British public’s retro obsession doesn’t stop at fashion – we're also a nation of gamers. From consoles to the games themselves, charity shops are a great place to donate a bargain game and pick up a new one at the same time! Great for gifts, your unwanted games could make someone else’s day.
Homewares
After two years spent indoors it’s no surprise that giving our home an update has become a firm hobby for many of us. While upgrading furniture can be a price tag too far, buying new homewares is an affordable way to give homes a new look – but what about the items we no longer need? “From cushions to photo frames or lamps to vases, our charity shops would love to receive those great items that simply no longer match your colour scheme!” says Allison.
Old technology
When upgrading our mobile phones, laptops or tablets, it can be tricky to know what to do with the old ones, especially if we’re concerned about our documents, pictures and messages. Charity shops such as the BHF now have the technology to wipe old tech, so that someone else can use them afresh. Plus, you can post tech items to us for free.
CDs and Vinyl
Get rid of your CD player years ago but still got that collection of CDs? They might seem retro, but for music collectors, charity shops are an absolute treasure trove of great music across the generations. “We’re always keen to receive your unwanted CDs and records,” says Allison. “Our eBay vinyl experts can also spot a rare copy or limited-edition item, so we’ll make sure we get the best price for your generous donations.”
Handbags
Whether you bought it as a one off for a wedding or you’ve upgraded your day-to-day tote, handbags are a must for any charity donation bag. From clutches to holdalls, we sells thousands of handbags every year, all raising thousands of pounds.
Cameras
Just like our mobile phones, cameras have moved on in the past decade, with technology changing every year. As many of us upgrade to quicker, sharper models, there can often be a once-loved camera stashed in a kitchen draw, gathering dust. From Leica to Kodak, donate your preloved snapper to charity this spring and give someone else the chance to make brand new memories.