Got unwanted books, clothes, guitars? Here’s where to give away used items in Hong Kong after Lunar New Year cleaning

This cosy second-hand bookshop in Central is the best place to find preloved English books for children. Operated by a group of young book lovers, the shop has become a platform to help parents and children get rid of their books in a convenient, eco-friendly and accessible way. They welcome donations of English-language books that are suitable for children aged up to 16 years old.

Check out their website to learn more.

Address: 1/F, 9 Mee Lun Street, Central

For those with stacks of Chinese books to donate, Spirit Book Store is the place for you. While they also take second-hand English books, most of their shelves are filled with Chinese titles. They sell a wide variety of books covering everything from fiction to cookbooks. Bring your donations to one of their locations, and the staff will pick the ones that are suitable for the shop. You will receive some store credit in return.

Check out their Facebook page to learn more.

Wan Chai address: G/F, 14 Wood Road

North Point address: G/F, Shop 7, Kin Yip Mansion, 24A-24E Java Road

If you live far away from the shops we’ve listed, don’t worry – you can find a new home for your books using the Book Swap HK Facebook group, where you can sell or give away preloved titles. It is convenient especially if you have magazines, which usually are not accepted by second-hand bookshops. You might also meet a fellow bookworm through the swap!

Check out their Facebook page to learn more.

Hong Kong teen shares how she opened her own used bookstore

It started as an Instagram thrift shop, but last year, Asian Angel opened a bricks-and-mortar store. Its convenient location in Mong Kok makes it easy to donate your clothes. The owner selects the items that match the store’s style, and you can get little trinkets such as rings and scrunchies based on the number of clothes donated. You can also message them on Instagram with pictures of your donations before visiting the shop.

Check out their Instagram page for more information.

Address: Shop 265, 2/F, New Town Mall, Mong Kok

Hoping to extend the life of unwanted clothes, Redress places collection boxes at fashion retail stores in Hong Kong for you to drop off your unwanted clothing, shoes or accessories. The best-quality items are resold at the charity’s second-hand shop in Sham Shui Po, but most of the wearable items are redistributed to local charity partners such as Refugee Union and Po Leung Kuk.

Check out their website for the locations of collection boxes.

Apart from clothes and books, sometimes you want to donate bigger items, such as a used guitar or a sewing machine you no longer need. Look no further, as this borrowing centre in Tai Kok Tsui will accept anything (except books, clothes and stuffed toys) as long as it is clean and in good condition. The centre holds more than 200 items for neighbours to borrow for free.

Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Address: 1 Lime Street, Tai Kok Tsui

These organisations accept donations, including but not limited to baby items, clothes, toys and small home appliances. Check out their websites or social media accounts for more information.

Refugee Union: baby milk formula, canned food, toys, baby items and electrical appliances such as fridges and rice cookers

Christian Action: clothing, baby items, toys, small appliances and housewares

Caritas Community Centre: clothing, toys and housewares

Hong Kong Salvation Army: clothing, toys, books and more

Pathfinders: baby items, in new condition only