Maybe the size is wrong. Maybe you’ll never use it. It’s probably the most aggressive pink you’ve ever seen.
Whatever your reason for returning a gift, you’re not alone. Holiday gifts are returned at a much higher rate than regular merchandise. Industry estimates show that the return rate for holiday gifts purchased online is up to 35%, while for the average online purchase the return rate is 16%.
In anticipation of a surge in holiday returns, many retailers are extending return deadlines to make the return process easier for shoppers. However, some return policies are stricter than others, and rules may vary depending on where and when the gift was purchased and the type of item.
We know that making returns can be a huge pain, so to save you the hassle, we’ve put together a list of holiday gift return policies from popular retailers, along with tips to make the gift return process as smooth as possible.
Holiday gift return policies you need to know in 2024
Amazon Gift Returns
Amazon offers flexible returns year-round, allowing shoppers to return most items within 30 days of receiving their order. Amazon returns are free and easy. Simply mail the item with a free shipping label or return it to one of Amazon’s return centers located at participating UPS stores, Whole Foods, Kohl’s, and more.
What is the Amazon Holiday Return Policy?
Just in time for the holidays, Amazon is extending its return window. Most products purchased between November 1 and December 31 (excluding Apple brand products) can be returned until January 31, 2025. Apple products purchased during this period can be returned until January 15, 2025.
See Amazon Holiday Return Policy.
Apple Gift Returns
Compared to some of its competitors, Apple has a very strict return policy. Standard Apple return policy allows shoppers to return products within 14 days of receiving them.
What is the Apple Holiday Return Policy?
Good news for Apple lovers: The tech giant is relaxing its return policy during the holiday season. Most Apple products received between November 8 and December 25, 2024 can be returned until January 8, 2025.
View Apple’s returns policy
Best Buy Gift Returns
Like Apple, Best Buy has a fairly strict return policy. For most of the year, tech retailers give shoppers 15 days to return most items. For cell phones, smartwatches and other activatable devices, please allow 14 days for store returns. Best Buy offers My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members an extended 60-day return window on most products (excluding activatable devices).
What is Best Buy’s holiday return policy?
In the spirit of the season, Best Buy is temporarily extending its return period. Most items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 14, 2025. This extended return period excludes activatable devices and holiday decorations.
View Best Buy Holiday Return Policy
costco gift returns
Costco says its return policy is designed for 100% satisfaction and promises shoppers a full refund of the purchase price of most items at any time. A notable exception to this unlimited return policy is electronics, which must be returned within 90 days. With a few exceptions, including tires and alcohol, you don’t need a receipt for returns at Costco.
What is Costco’s holiday return policy?
Costco has not announced any changes to its return policy for the holiday season.
View Costco Returns Policy
gap gift returns
Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta are owned by the same company, so their return policies are virtually identical. These four retailers give shoppers 30 days to return an item after receiving it. Returns are free and can be made in-store or using a prepaid shipping label or QR code.
What is your gap leave return policy?
Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta did not extend their return policies for the holiday season.
View Gap’s returns policy
Cole’s Gift Returns
Kohl’s return policy is very generous. The service allows shoppers to return most items up to 90 days from the date of purchase for non-Kohol’s Card transactions and 120 days from the date of purchase for Kohl’s Card transactions.
There are two exceptions:
- Premium electronics and watches must be returned within 30 days with original packaging and valid receipt.
- Beauty products must be returned within 60 days with a valid receipt and in good condition.
What is Kohl’s holiday return policy?
Premium electronics, watches, and Sephora beauty items purchased at Kohl’s after November 1 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Check out Kohl’s Holiday Return Policy.
lululemon gift returns
Officially, Lululemon allows shoppers to return items within 30 days of delivery for online purchases and 30 days after purchase for in-store purchases. To be eligible for a return, items must be unworn, unwashed, with tags attached and accompanied by proof of purchase.
Additionally, Lululemon’s Quality Promise will replace items that do not function as intended for up to one year after purchase. Quality Commitment Returns are processed on a case-by-case basis and proof of purchase or identification is required.
What is the Lululemon holiday return policy?
During the holiday season, Lululemon is offering an extended returns window. Items purchased between October 15th and December 24th can be returned/exchanged until January 23rd.
View Lululemon Holiday Return Policy.
Macy’s Gift Returns
For most of the year, Macy’s gives shoppers 30 days to return most items. In-store returns are free. Return shipping is free for Star Rewards members and $9.99 for non-members. Original shipping costs are non-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 through January 31, 2025 for all products purchased after October 7th.
View Macy’s Holiday Return Policy.
Nordstrom Gift Returns
Nordstrom’s return policy is famously generous. There’s technically no formal return policy, and the store handles returns “on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making customers happy.” There are no deadlines for returns or exchanges, and no receipt or original tags are required. This policy applies to both in-store and online returns, and shipping for online returns is free.
What is the Nordstrom Holiday Return Policy?
Nordstrom has a year-round return policy during the holiday season. This makes sense considering how generous the policy already is.
Check out Nordstrom’s return policy.
Sephora Gift Returns
All year long, Sephora has a simple returns policy. This policy allows shoppers to return new or used products within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. If returned within 31-60 days of purchase, you may return for Sephora.com credit (if returned by mail) or Sephora Store credit (if returned in-store).
What is the Sephora Holidays return policy?
To celebrate the holidays, Sephora is extending longer credit returns. The retailer accepts returns for products purchased between November 1, 2024, and December 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, for in-store or online credit, depending on the return method.
View Sephora’s returns policy
Gift Return Goal
Target allows shoppers to return most items within 90 days for a full refund. Notable exceptions to this policy include electronics and entertainment, which must be returned within 30 days, and Apple products, which must be returned within 14 days. If you purchase with a Target RedCard, please allow an additional 30 days for returns.
You can make Target returns in-store or by mail using a free prepaid mailing label.
What is the Target Holiday Return Policy?
Target is extending the return window for electronics and entertainment products to 30 days during the holiday season. For electronics and entertainment items purchased between November 7 and December 24, the 30-day return period begins December 26.
Target offers a similar extended holiday return policy for Apple products. For Apple technologies purchased between November 7 and December 24, the 14-day return period begins December 26.
View Target Holiday Returns Policy
Answers to your holiday gift return questions
If you think there’s a chance you’ll get another gift this season, you’d better be prepared. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the store or mail carrier to return an item.
When is the deadline for returning holiday gifts?
It’s common for stores to offer extended return windows during the holiday season, but policies and extensions vary greatly from retailer to retailer. Triple-check the store’s policies for exact time frames before attempting a return.
Do I need a receipt to return a gift?
In most cases, having a gift receipt will make the return process smoother. However, many stores offer alternative options for showing proof of purchase, such as tracking your credit card transaction history. Review the return policy of the store where you purchased the gift to explore your options.
Can I return a gift I purchased online to a physical store?
Many online retailers offer in-store return options. However, this is not universal, so check the online store’s returns policy to see if in-store returns are accepted.
Can I return a gift without its original packaging?
It is always advisable to retain the original packaging. This means that many stores will accept returns without you having to return the item. Check the retailer’s returns policy for specific information about packaging requirements.
Can I return a personalized gift?
This is tricky. Custom items are often non-refundable. Please check the product description and store returns policy to determine if your personalized gift is eligible for a refund. If returns aren’t accepted, it doesn’t hurt to contact customer service.
Can I return a gift card?
In most cases, this isn’t the case. When you purchase a gift card, it is generally considered a final sale. Most stores and brands have policies on returning gift cards for cash. However, some companies may allow exchange for other gift cards or merchandise. If you decide 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 cards on a resale marketplace like CardCash.
The post Your Easy Guide to Returning Holiday Gifts in 2024 first appeared on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
