The lovely dress that's just not quite you, the book you've already read, or perhaps another beauty set from the Office Secret Santa...

Gifts are tricky to buy, but sometimes even trickier to receive, and with the best will in the world it's not always possible to keep every well-meaning gesture - and sometimes it's impossible to ask for the receipt!

Luckily your pre-loved gift can find a new lease of life as someone else's brilliant bargain in one of our charity shops. 

Waste not want not

It can be with a feeling of obligation that we hold onto gifts that we can't find a place for in our lives. We're always keen to protect the feelings of those who gift us items we have no need for, so if you do choose to donate your gift instead, it's always a good idea to choose a charity shop that is not on the doorstep of the person who gave you that item. We have 19 shops around Devon - find the best one for you.

From the handbags to the gladrags

There are a few items that we can't accept in our shops, so read our comprehensive list of which donations we can say yes and no to. We have a high turnover of stock with nothing sitting on the shop floor longer than six weeks.

After this period the item is then sent to one of our sister shops, and if it is not sold during that six-week period then it goes to our outlet shop in Exmouth, where every item is much reduced. Read more about the lifecycle of your donated item.

De-cluttering is good for your well-being

Not only does donating to our charity shops help to keep Devon's Air Ambulances flying, but having a good tidy up and passing on your unwanted gifts is good for you. Read more about how charity shop donor and DAA staff member, Sarah, fared when she worked her way through a hoard of ready-to-be-donated items. 

Your donation helps Devon's communities

Every penny raised from the sale of donations made to our shops supports our crews in reaching patients across the county.

If you are a UK Tax Payer you can make your donation go even further – in fact an extra 25p in every £1 further!

Simply sign a Gift Aid Declaration or tell us that you are a UK Tax Payer and you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. One thing to note is that if you are a UK Tay Payer and pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed, you are responsible for paying any difference.

Be a Good Cause Santa Clause

And what about your own gift purchases this Christmas? You can help cut down on waste and bag a bargain instead by browsing our shops for your workplace Secret Santa gifts. It may be that you find the perfect little something for that someone. 

Alternatively, you can make a donation on behalf of friends, family or colleagues to your Air Ambulances instead. Simply phone us on 01392 466666 or email [email protected] to make a donation and give us the names of those you'd like gift vouchers made out to and we'll send them to you by email.