Goodwill sells gift certificates at most of its thrift stores and online
Yes, Goodwill sells gift certificates. You can buy them in person at nearly any Goodwill location, and many Goodwill stores also sell them online through their regional websites. The certificates work like store credit—the recipient can spend them on any merchandise Goodwill carries, from clothing and furniture to books and electronics.
Gift certificates are sold in denominations you choose, typically starting at $5 or $10 and going up to $100 or more, depending on the store. Some Goodwill locations also offer digital gift cards that arrive by email, which is useful if you need to send a gift quickly or don't have a store nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Goodwill gift certificates are available in person at most thrift stores and online through regional Goodwill websites.
- You can choose the dollar amount when you buy, and the recipient spends it like store credit on any merchandise.
- Digital gift cards sent by email are faster than physical certificates if you're buying last-minute.
- Gift certificates and gift cards do not expire at most Goodwill locations, though you should check your receipt or the card itself for any terms.
- If a certificate is lost or damaged, contact the Goodwill location where you bought it with your receipt to request a replacement.
How to buy a Goodwill gift certificate in store
Walk into any Goodwill thrift store and ask a cashier for a gift certificate. Tell them the amount you want to spend—$25, $50, $100, or whatever fits your budget. The cashier will print or write the certificate and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt; you'll need it if the certificate is lost or if there's a problem when the recipient tries to use it.
Physical certificates usually look like a card or printed voucher with a barcode or serial number. Some Goodwill stores laminate them so they hold up better in a wallet. The recipient takes the certificate to any Goodwill location and hands it to the cashier when they check out, just like a coupon or store credit.
Buying gift certificates online
Many Goodwill regions sell gift certificates through their own websites. Search for "Goodwill gift card" plus your state or region—for example, "Goodwill gift card California" or "Goodwill gift card Texas." Each region runs its own online store, so the website you use depends on where you live.
Online purchases usually arrive as a digital code sent to an email address you provide. The recipient can print the code, take a screenshot, or show it on their phone at checkout. Digital certificates are faster than waiting for mail delivery and work well if you're buying a few days before you need to give the gift.
What you can and cannot buy with a Goodwill gift certificate
A Goodwill gift certificate works on anything in the store—clothing, shoes, furniture, books, kitchen items, electronics, toys, and décor. The recipient can mix and match items and spend the full amount across multiple purchases if they want.
Gift certificates cannot be used for Goodwill services like donation pickups, alterations, or cleaning. They also cannot be redeemed for cash or used to pay for items at Goodwill's online auction site (if your region has one). If the recipient spends less than the certificate's value, the remaining balance stays on the certificate for future visits.
Gift certificate expiration and replacement
Most Goodwill locations do not set an expiration date on gift certificates, meaning they remain valid indefinitely. However, some regional Goodwill organizations may have different policies, so check the back of the certificate or your receipt for any terms printed there.
If a certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Goodwill location where you bought it with your receipt. Bring the receipt and the damaged certificate if you have it. The store can issue a replacement, though the process may take a few days. If you bought the certificate online, contact the regional Goodwill customer service number on your receipt or the website where you purchased it.
Goodwill gift certificates versus gift cards
Goodwill uses both the terms "gift certificate" and "gift card" interchangeably. In practice, they work the same way—both are store credit that the recipient spends on merchandise. The main difference is the format: a physical certificate is printed or written on paper or cardstock, while a gift card is usually plastic or digital. Some stores use one term, others use both.
If you see "Goodwill gift card" and "Goodwill gift certificate" listed separately on a website, they are the same product sold under different names. Choose whichever format is easier for you to buy and give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Goodwill gift certificate at any Goodwill store?
Yes, gift certificates from one Goodwill location work at any Goodwill store in the same region. If you buy a certificate in California, it works at any California Goodwill. However, Goodwill is organized by region, so a certificate bought in one state may not work in another state's Goodwill stores. Check your receipt to see which region your certificate covers.
What happens if the recipient doesn't spend the full amount?
The remaining balance stays on the certificate. They can use it on a future visit to Goodwill. There is no time limit on most certificates, so they can return weeks or months later and the balance will still be there.
Can I return a gift certificate if I change my mind?
Goodwill's return policy for gift certificates varies by location. Most stores will not refund a certificate once it's been purchased, but some may exchange it for a different amount. Contact the Goodwill location where you bought it to ask about their specific policy.
Is there a maximum amount I can spend on a single gift certificate?
Most Goodwill stores allow you to buy certificates in amounts up to $100 or $250, depending on the location. If you want to give more than that, you can buy multiple certificates. Ask the cashier what the highest single denomination is at your store.
Can I check the balance on a Goodwill gift certificate?
Yes. The recipient can ask a cashier at any Goodwill store to check the remaining balance. Some regional Goodwill websites also have a balance checker tool online. You'll need the certificate number or barcode to check it.