
The Idea Store welcomes you!
We’re an Urbana, IL nonprofit offering a vast, uncommon array of reusable materials for arts, crafts, education, and beyond. All quality, all safe, and all donated by community members and local businesses.
Teaching a class? Learning a craft? Making cool art? Just curious? Supplies from the Idea Store are meant for you— and everyone in our community.
Come and explore!
Please review our donation guide before bringing items to donate.
HOURS
LOCATION
125 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL 61801
We are located in the southwest corner of the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, accessible from the South parking lot.

Questions?
Give us a call during store hours at (217) 352-7878
or leave us a message at info@the-idea-store.org

Latest News
Donate Your Stuff!
What are you donating?

We aren't your average thrift store! Collect your lightly-loved items and pack them into a container you can part with.
Items we love:
☑ Arts and crafts ☑ Yarn & fabric ☑ Office supplies ☑ Jewelry ☑ School supplies ☑ Toys & games ☑ Electronics & media

We currently cannot accept: Binders, Bubble wrap, Wine corks, Greeting cards, Sea shells
Please make sure your items are free of mold and rust, have not held food or been used for personal care, and are culturally appropriate. Items like clothes, furniture, & appliances would be better appreciated by another local resale outlet.
For more information about what we can accept, see our official donation policy.
How much
do you have?

One container or less
No appointment needed!
Read further.
Up to three boxes or bags

To help us manage the rate that donations come in, please sign up for an appointment below.
​
If you have more to donate, please make multiple appointments, or give us a call.
Leave it to us!
Donations are only accepted at our outdoor receiving zone, during donation hours. Please come at your scheduled time, if you had to make an appointment.
​
Pull your car up to our donation drop-off spot, and call the number on the door to let us know you're here. Pop your trunk and our donation staff will take care of the rest!
Thank you for supporting our community through creative reuse!
☒ NO DUMPING ☒ NO DONATIONS IN-STORE
