GameStop Trade Anything Day Lets You Trade Almost Anything for Store Credit This December

What the Event Is About

GameStop announced a one-day promotion called “Trade Anything Day” set for December 6, 2025. On that day, customers can bring almost any item into participating stores and exchange it for store credit. According to Newsweek, the credit can be used toward video games, consoles, accessories, and collectibles.

The unusual part of this event is the wide range of items allowed. GameStop confirmed that even taxidermy animals qualify, provided they meet size and inspection requirements. This expansion goes far beyond the company’s usual trade-in policy, which typically covers only gaming products.

The promotion is designed to attract attention and give shoppers another way to afford gifts during the holiday season. With higher living costs, many families are looking for alternatives, and GameStop is positioning itself as a place where everyday items can be turned into something useful.

Rules and Exclusions

While the event sounds open-ended, there are clear rules. As Cincinnati.com explained, all items must fit inside a 20x20x20 inch box. Employees have the right to reject items if they don’t meet standards. Customers are limited to one item each.

There’s also a long exclusion list. Hazardous materials, weapons, and most electronics like televisions and computers aren’t accepted. Financial items such as gift cards or checks are also prohibited. These restrictions are meant to keep the process safe and manageable for store staff.

GameStop’s website banner described the event as “no questions asked,” but the fine print makes clear that discretion lies with employees. This balance between openness and control ensures the event doesn’t spiral into chaos while still offering flexibility.

Why It’s Trending

The timing of the event is part of why it’s trending. As Newsweek reported, a PwC survey found that 84 percent of U.S. consumers plan to cut back on spending over the next six months. Average gift spending is expected to drop by 11 percent compared to 2024. For many, trading unused items for store credit feels like a practical solution.

Public reaction has been mixed but curious. Dexerto highlighted the quirky side of the promotion, noting that taxidermy animals are explicitly allowed. That detail alone sparked conversations online, with people joking about what unusual items they might bring.

CNN’s Lisa Eadicicco explained that the event is gaining attention because it’s unusual for a retailer to expand trade-ins to “almost anything” and that it signals a new strategy for GameStop’s brand visibility. Her comment reflects how the company is trying to stand out in a crowded retail market.

What Shoppers Should Expect

For shoppers, the event offers both opportunity and uncertainty. The chance to turn unused items into store credit is appealing, but the exclusions mean not everything will qualify. Customers should expect lines and some trial-and-error as employees decide what’s acceptable.

The event also highlights how retailers are experimenting with promotions to meet consumer needs. As WFAA reported, this is the first time GameStop has run such a promotion. That novelty is part of why it’s trending, but it also means there’s no precedent for how smoothly it will run.

For those worried about missing out, the reassurance is that it’s a one-day event with clear rules. Even if not every item is accepted, the promotion gives people a chance to try something different. It’s less about the value of the trade and more about the idea of turning everyday objects into something useful during the holiday season.

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