The stigma of a Christmas gift needing to be new has lifted, according to Lifeline South Coast director Grahame Gould.

He said more people were buying pre-loved unusual and interesting "gifts that give three ways" from charity stores.

"A recent example was a woman buying $440 of bric-a-brac for Christmas presents. She bought these presents because they are interesting and unusual, and because she likes supporting Lifeline," he said.

Mr Gould said she gave three ways. "It is a gift to the person she is buying the presents for, her buying the present at Lifeline also helps us reduce suicide and it is a gift to the environment by reducing landfill."

Mr Gould said shoppers realised many new goods are mass produced and similar.

"People actually genuinely want to do the right thing by the environment and are really committed to helping organisations like ours. They might not be in a position to give a donation but they are willing to help prevent suicide by doing their Christmas shopping at Lifeline."

Lifeline has shops in Auburn Street, Wollongong, and Terralong Street, Kiama.

Information: www.lifelinesouthcoast.org.au