So the Australian Red Cross is encouraging Monash residents with unwanted gifts to donate them to its op shops instead of throwing them away or relegating them to storage.

"A donation of quality clean saleable goods to a Red Cross store works in a similar way to a donation of cash," said Red Cross general manager of merchandise Olivia Cozzolino.

"We are able to use the profits to fund our humanitarian work to improve the lives of vulnerable people both in Australia and overseas.

"We find that at this time of the year people tend to do a bit of a clean-out to fit in all their new gifts and purchases.

"So it's the perfect time to remind people to donate any of those hidden treasures that have been stashed in the back of the wardrobe."

The Red Cross store in Oakleigh accepts donations between 9.30am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday .

"The bonus of visiting a store during opening hours is that you may find yourself picking up a bargain or two," Ms Cozzolino said.

Red Cross South Eastern Victoria area manager Mardi Gault said donations after Christmas would keep the organisation's stores in good stead for the rest of the year.

"Especially closer to metro Melbourne, the donations aren't as great as it is in regional areas. They're the areas that we really have to push for donations," she said.

Ms Gault said donations of clothes and accessories were welcome but the stores were not able to accept electrical items or furniture.

Details: Red Cross Oakleigh, 95684138.