Before you toss those unwanted gifts in the closet just remember that there are other options - like donating them to charity. There's always someone out there that needs what you don't want...

Forget returning or repurposing. Be charitable with your unwanted holiday gifts.

TheGivingEffect.com partners with more than 1,600 charities in need of a variety of merchandise, including clothing, books, toys, appliances, audio and video equipment, gift cards and art.

"Anything people have and they don't need, there's somebody who wants it and needs it,"

says Mitchell Silverman, founder of the Giving Effect, a nonprofit sponsored by law firm Jacob Oresky & Associates.

Most charities accept items in "good" or "better" condition, but some, particularly children-related or hospital organizations, only accept new items, Mr. Silverman says. For instance, that new sweater your daughter will likely refuse to wear could help young children in the Minneapolis area associated with the Family Partnership.

Even leftover party supplies go to good use. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco could use the extra red and green bowls to help care for dogs age 7 and older.

To find a charity whose needs fit what you have to donate, you can search by a specific need, such as cellphones, clothing and accessories, or by category, such as animals, education, and sports and recreation. You also can search for local charities by entering your ZIP Code on the home page.

Items can be dropped off, picked up by the charity or shipped, depending on the organization. Most donations are tax deductible, and receipts are typically mailed out once the items are received.