Christmas in Australia usually comes with a lot of new stuff, whether it’s toys, appliances, décor, or random gifts that you now need to find a spot for. To make space for the new, it’s also a good time to get rid of the old.
And in the true spirit of the season of giving, instead of sending your unwanted gifts and toys to the landfill, why not give your items a second life with families or communities that really need them?
This guide will show you where you can donate unwanted gifts and toys across Australia this Christmas, with a practical plan to clear your space, reduce waste, and make a real difference this festive season.
Often, we get to the other side of Christmas and New Year to find our homes absolutely overloaded with stuff. A better plan is a pre-Christmas declutter. By letting go of old gifts, toys, furniture, and household items before the festive rush, you not only make space in your own home but also give others a helping hand.
By choosing to donate your preloved gifts, toys, furniture, and other household items before Christmas, you give families the chance to access low-cost or even free items that can make a real difference in their lives. It’s a simple, meaningful way to turn your pre-Christmas decluttering into something supportive, sustainable, and genuinely helpful for your community.
Plus, donating instead of tossing items keeps them out of the landfill, so it’s a win for you, the community, and the environment. Here’s to a sustainable Aussie Christmas!
Read our full decluttering guide to help you figure out what you can let go of.
The good news is that there are plenty of charities across Australia that can give your second-hand gifts, toys, furniture, and household items a new home with the people who need them most. Even better, many of them will come and pick things up for free, taking it out of your hands with no extra work required.
Here are a few of the best places to start.
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The Salvation Army accepts a wide range of items, from sofas and beds to kids’ toys and homewares. Many locations offer furniture pickups, making it easy to donate without worrying about transport.
Tip: To arrange a Christmas charity pickup, check your local Salvos store or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
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Vinnies accepts toys, furniture, and household items depending on demand and location. Some stores also offer collection services, so you don’t have to worry about how to get larger items to them.
During the festive season, demand for this service can get high, so be sure to book in advance.
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Lifeline accepts quality furniture, toys, clothing, books, and household items for resale in their stores, with all proceeds going to support vital community and mental health services. Every item you donate helps fund important local programs, so your preloved couch, dining suite, or even a pile of books can make a real difference.
If you’ve got larger items or a bulk donation, Lifeline offers free pick-up in many areas. Just fill out their online donation home pick-up form or contact your nearest warehouse to arrange a time.
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Red Nose runs a pre-loved clothing and household goods program that gives your items a second life while supporting families in need. They operate in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Everything you donate is resold or recycled through their retail partners, with every dollar going back into programs that help save little lives.
You can donate a wide range of items, including clothes, linen, toys, books, homewares, kitchen equipment, small appliances, and even bikes or exercise gear.
If the charity shop you want to donate your items to doesn’t offer free pick-up, the next best thing is to book a removalist on Upmove to get your donations where they need to be on time.
Whether it’s a single item, a few pieces, or a whole batch of donations, you choose the time that works for you, no waiting on charity slots, no juggling multiple pickups. Your preloved goods will be donated in no time, and might even make it under a Christmas tree, wrapped and ready to be loved by a new family.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
