Where To Give That Gift Back

Sometimes the best Christmas gift a person can get is the receipt inside the box. For those of us who weren't that lucky, there are still options. Consignment shops abound in and around Fort Greene and Clinton Hill— ideal spots to clandestinely trade in that rubbish gift for store credit or cold hard cash. And if you're still in the holiday spirit, there are plenty of worthy charities accepting donations, many of which will pick up your re-gift right at your front door.

Still Hip [283 Grand Ave. between Lafayette Ave. and Clifton Pl., (718) 398-0008, www.stillhipbrooklyn.com]

This resale clothing store doesn't feel like a consignment shop with its wide range of high-end children's and maternity clothing. While you cash in your items for store credit, send your kids over to the area designated for fun classes in music, dance and art.

Project Hope's Boutique Thrift [469 Vanderbilt Ave. at Gates Ave., (917) 474-2759]

Completely run off of donations and volunteers, all proceeds from the store go directly to Chai Lifeline, an organization that has been helping seriously ill children for over 20 years. If you don't feel like bringing all your items directly to the store, they'll do a free pick-up anywhere in the neighborhood.

Goodwill [1102 Fulton St. between Claver Place and Franklin Ave., (718) 789-0856, www.goodwill.org]

Helping needy Americans since 1902, over 80 percent of Goodwill's revenue from donations goes to providing employment, support and training services to nearly two million Americans. This particular chain is also well known for occasional finds of brand name clothing for less than $10.

Salvation Army [22 Quincy St. between Downing St. and Classon Ave., (718) 622-4535), www.salvationarmy.org]

Don't hesitate to donate to this worthy non-profit. The majority of the proceeds from donations go towards free rehabilitation for alcohol and drug abusers. Drop your stuff off on Wednesdays, when all items in the store except ones with pink tags are half off.

GrowNYC at Fort Greene Greenmarket (Corner of Dekalb Ave. and Cumberland St.; no phone)

With eight clothing drop-offs around the city, GrowNYC sets a goal each year of collecting one million pounds of old clothes and other textiles for recycling. When you drop items at the Greenmarket on Saturdays, all the material goes to an agency called Wearable Collections, which resells half the items as second-hand clothing and turns the remaining half into cushioning, acoustic dampening and rags for use in industry.