Maybe it’s the wrong size. Maybe you’ll never use it. Maybe it’s the most abrasive shade of pink you’ve ever seen.
Whatever your reason for returning a gift, you are far from alone. Holiday presents are returned at a dramatically higher rate than everyday merchandise — up to a 35% return rate for holiday gifts purchased online versus a 16% return rate for regular online purchases, according to industry estimates.
In anticipation of the wave of holiday returns, many retailers make it easy on shoppers. These days, it’s common practice for stores to extend the deadline for returns around the holiday season. However, some return policies are stricter than others, and rules can vary depending on where and when the gift was purchased and what kind of item it was.
We know making returns can be a major pain. To help cut down the post-holiday hassle, we’ve rounded up a list of essential holiday gift return policies, plus tips for making the gift return process as seamless as possible.
Holiday Gift Return Policies to Know in 2023
Amazon Gift Returns
Amazon is flexible with returns year-round, allowing shoppers to return most items within 30 days of receiving their order. It’s free and easy to make an Amazon return: simply mail in the item with a free shipping label or drop it off at one of Amazon’s many return centers located in participating UPS stores, Whole Foods, Kohl’s and many more.
What Is the Amazon Holiday Return Policy?
For the holidays, Amazon is extending its return window. Most items (except for Apple brand products) purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can be returned up until Jan. 31, 2024. Apple products purchased during this time may be returned until Jan. 15, 2024.
Best Buy Gift Returns
Compared to some of its competitors, Best Buy enforces a pretty strict return policy. For most of the year, the tech retailer gives shoppers 15 days to return most items. For cellphones, smartwatches and other activable devices, the store allows 14 days to make a return. Best Buy offers an extended return window of 60 days on most products (excluding activable devices) to members of My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members.
What Is the Best Buy Holiday Return Policy?
In the spirit of the season, Best Buy is temporarily extending its return window. Most items purchased between Oct. 27 through Dec. 30 can be returned through Jan. 13, 2024. This extended return window excludes activable devices and holiday decorations.
Costco Gift Returns
Costco says its return policy is designed for 100% satisfaction, promising shoppers a full refund on the purchase price of most items at any time. A noteworthy exception to this unlimited return policy is electronics, which must be returned within a 90-day window. With a few exceptions, including tires and alcohol, no receipt is required to make a return at Costco.
What Is the Costco Holiday Return Policy?
Costco hasn’t announced any changes to its return policy for the holidays.
Kohl’s Gift Returns
Kohl’s return policy is also uber-generous. It lets shoppers return most items for up to 180 days after the purchase date, with or without a receipt. There are two exceptions:
- Premium electronics and watches must be returned within 30 days with the original packaging and valid receipt.
- Beauty products must be returned within 60 days with a valid receipt and must be in good condition.
What Is the Kohl’s Holiday Return Policy?
Premium electronics, watches and Sephora beauty items purchased at Kohl’s after Nov. 1 can be returned until Jan. 31, 2024.
Macy’s Gift Returns
Most of the year, Macy’s gives shoppers a generous 90 days to return most items. Returns made in-store are free. Return shipping is free for Star Rewards members and costs $9.99 for nonmembers. Original shipping costs are not refundable, and returns must be in like-new condition with original tags and packaging.
What Is Macy’s Holiday Return Policy?
This holiday season, Macy’s is accepting returns up until Jan. 31, 2024, for anything purchased on or after Oct.
Nordstrom Gift Returns
The Nordstrom return policy is notoriously generous. Technically, there’s no formal return policy, and the store handles returns on “a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making our customers happy.” There is no time limit on returns or exchanges, and no receipts or original tags are required. The policy applies to items returned in-store and online, and online return shipping is free.
What Is the Nordstrom Holiday Return Policy?
Nordstrom is sticking to its year-round return policy during the holidays — which makes sense, considering how generous the policy already is.
Target Gift Returns
Target lets shoppers return most items for a full refund within 90 days. A notable exception to this policy are electronics and entertainment, which must be returned within 30 days, and Apple products, which must be returned within 90 days. Purchases made with a Target RedCard get an extra 30 days to return.
There are three ways to make a return: in-store, from your car using the Target app or by mail using a free, prepaid mailing label.
What Is the Target Holiday Return Policy?
Target is extending the 30-day return window for electronics and entertainment for the holidays. For electronics and entertainment items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 25, the 30-day return period will start on Dec. 26.
Target is offering a similar extended holiday return policy on Apple products: For Apple tech purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 25, the 15-day return period will start on Dec. 26.
Answers to Your Holiday Gift Return Questions
If you think there’s any chance you’ll be making a gift return this season, it pays to be prepared. Here’s what to know before heading to your store or post office to make a return:
What’s the Deadline for Holiday Gift Returns?
It’s common for stores to offer an extended return window during the holiday season, but policies and extensions vary widely from retailer to retailer. Be sure to triple-check the store’s policy for the exact time frame before trying to make a return.
Do I Need a Receipt to Return a Gift?
In most cases, having a gift receipt can make the return process smoother. However, many stores offer alternative options for showing proof of purchase, such as looking up a transaction by credit card. To figure out your options, review the return policy of the store where your gift was purchased.
Can I Return a Gift Purchased Online to a Physical Store?
Many online retailers provide the option to return items in-store. However, this isn’t universal, so check the online store’s return policy to confirm whether in-store returns are accepted.
Can I Return a Gift Without the Original Packaging?
Having the original packaging is always preferable. That said, many stores may accept returns without it. Check the retailer’s return policy for specific information on packaging requirements.
Can You Return Personalized Gifts?
This one is tricky. Customized items are often nonrefundable. To find out whether a personalized gift is refundable, check the product description and the store’s return policy. If returns aren’t allowed, it never hurts to reach out to customer service.
Can You Return Gift Cards?
In most cases, no. Once a gift card is purchased, it is typically considered final sale. Most stores and brands have policies against returning gift cards for cash. However, some companies may allow exchanges for other gift cards or merchandise. If you’re determined to get rid of a gift card, review the terms outlined in the store’s gift card policy. If all else fails, consider selling your gift card on a resale marketplace like CardCash.
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