Ah, the holidays. The twinkling lights, the endless mugs of hot cocoa, and, of course, the thrill of unwrapping gifts. But here’s the thing—after all the festivities are over, January tends to feel, well, tight. With the holiday credit card statement staring you in the face, wouldn’t it be nice to turn some of those gifts into extra cash? Trust me, I’ve been there.
Last January, after a particularly enthusiastic gift-giving season, I found myself trying to juggle January bills with limited funds. That’s when I discovered how smart it can be to turn holiday gifts into money—money that can help you kick off the new year without financial stress. Whether you’re re-gifting gone-wrong items or liberating yourself from things you simply won’t use, here are seven realistic ways to turn your holiday haul into cash.
1. Sell Those Unused Gift Cards
Is it just me, or is there always someone who decides that a gift card to a very niche store is the perfect present? (Shoutout to the thoughtful-but-misguided friend who gave me a gift card to a remote camping store when I’m clearly an “indoor adventure” kind of person.)
If you’re staring at a pile of unused gift cards, you’re not alone. As indicated by a 2024 survey from Capital One Shopping, Americans are sitting on an average of $244 in unused gift cards. That’s a huge 30.5% jump from the previous year! Just think about it—that’s cash you didn’t even realize you had.
The good news is that you don’t have to leave them gathering dust in a drawer. Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny are lifesavers. These platforms allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards for up to 90% of their value. Sure, you’re not getting the full amount, but turning that camping store card into some actual cash you’ll use feels like a win.
Quick tip: Check the balance before listing the gift card for sale. It's not just polite—it ensures there are no hiccups down the line. Why not take that $244 and do something that really matters to you instead?
Quick tip: Check the balance before listing the gift card for sale. It's not just polite—it ensures there are no hiccups down the line.
2. Tap Into Online Marketplaces
Full confession here—I once sold a bread maker I received as a holiday gift and never touched. Sorry, Aunt Carol—I just wasn’t about to add “baking artisan loaves” to my list of hobbies. Instead, that bread maker found a happy home through Facebook Marketplace, and I pocketed an extra $50.
Whether it’s gadgets, clothing, or home decor that doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle, consider listing the items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. People love shopping for discounted items, especially post-holiday, and you’ll be surprised at how fast things can sell.
Pro move? Use keywords like “brand new,” “unopened,” or “unused” in your descriptions if the item is still packaged. Include clear photos to catch a buyer’s eye, and be honest about the condition to avoid returns or disputes.
3. Try Local Consignment Shops
If you’ve received fashion pieces that just don’t align with your style (say, that bold sequined jacket your coworker swore you’d “rock”), don’t feel obligated to cram them into your wardrobe. Consignment shops, especially those catering to clothing and accessories, are a goldmine for turning such gifts into cash.
I discovered one close to home last year and ended up making $80 from consigning barely-worn clothes and accessories I’d been gifted. While garments and handbags are most common, modern consignment shops often take everything from furniture to collectibles, depending on their specialty.
Bonus tip? Call ahead and check what’s in demand—some shops are picky about inventory, especially after the holidays when people are selling similar items.
4. Leverage Specialized Apps
Ever heard of Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop? If not, you’re leaving money on the table. These apps are excellent if you’re looking to sell clothing, accessories, or even small electronics. I once sold a pair of designer sunglasses I received as a gift—but never wore—through Poshmark and made $100 faster than I expected.
What’s great about these platforms is their simplicity. Upload clear photos, write honest descriptions, and set realistic prices. Keep in mind that some apps charge small selling fees, so price your listings accordingly.
Oh, one last thing—stay responsive when buyers ask questions. A quick reply often seals the deal!
5. Trade-In for Store Credit or Cash
Big retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy offer convenient trade-in programs for electronics, books, video games, and other products. Got a Kindle that’s still in the box or an extra pair of wireless headphones? Many trade-in programs allow you to send items in exchange for store credit or cash.
For example, Amazon’s trade-in program lets you trade gadgets and electronics quickly and easily. Sure, you might get store credit instead of cash, but if you’re a regular shopper there (and who isn’t?), it works just the same as having extra dollars in your wallet.
6. Host a Post-Holiday Garage Sale
When was the last time you saw a classic garage sale? I thought they’d gone extinct, but I decided to host one last year after realizing how much clutter had accumulated. I mixed holiday gifts I wouldn’t use with general household items, and—to my surprise—walked away with $200 in a single afternoon.
January may not seem like “garage sale season,” but here’s the catch—people are often looking for bargains after their own holiday splurges. Sweeten the deal with signs that say things like “Brand New Christmas Gifts at Discount Prices!” and watch the locals trickle in.
If the weather’s frosty where you live, don’t worry. Indoor garage sales (or even neighborhood apartment sales) can do the trick, too.
7. Donate for a Tax Write-Off
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly “instant cash,” but it can help your bottom line long-term. Donating unwanted gifts to charities (think Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local shelters) not only clears space in your home but also gives you tax-deduction opportunities.
Remember to get a receipt for your donation—it’s a small step that ensures you can claim the deduction come tax time. Plus, knowing your unused gifts might brighten someone else’s day is its own kind of reward.
Bonus Tip: Stay Grateful
Here’s the part where I get a little sentimental. Turning gifts into money doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful—it means you’re practical.
I used to feel guilty about rehoming gifts until I realized those items weren’t being appreciated sitting unused in my home. The best way to respect a gift is to make sure it’s truly valued—and that might mean giving it new purpose, whether by selling, trading, or donating.
Turn Gifts Into Gains and Start the Year Strong!
January doesn’t have to mean financial stress. With a little creativity and a few intentional actions, you can clear clutter, make extra cash, and step into the new year with a lighter, more purposeful mindset.
Whether it’s listing mismatched items online, trading in gadgets for cash, or donating to those in need, there’s a solution that works for you. And who knows? The process of letting go might even inspire you to rethink the way you approach holiday gifting in the future.
Have you tried any of these tips before? Do you have your own clever ways to turn gifts into cash? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for fresh inspiration!
