Returning A Gift? Here Are The Retailers With The Best & Worst Return Policies

As families continue to open their Christmas presents, some may come across a gift that, quite frankly, they can’t use. Yes, the thought counts, but there’s nothing wrong with returning a gift that may not suit your lifestyle.

In that case, Consumer Reports provided a list of retailers with varying return policies. Some have flexible return and exchange policies year-round, while others are a little tighter with their rules. Thankfully, many retailers have extended return windows during the holiday season.

Here are some of the best (and worst) return policies being offered, just in case.

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Best Return Policies

Amazon

Amazon normally has a 30-day window to return any new, unopened items. However, most items purchased for the holidays between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31, 2025.

Items purchased through third-party sellers may be subject to different return policies. For instance, if you bought Apple products on Amazon between 11/1 and 12/31, you have until January 15 to return.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Since being bought by Overstock, Bed Bath & Beyond has adopted a 30-day return policy. This is a big change from their previous one-year return policy, but it’s reasonable since no brick-and-mortar stores are open.

Costco

For most items sold at Costco, there is no time limit on returns, and no receipt is necessary except for a few items, including tires, batteries, cigarettes, and alcohol.

Another exception: Electronics, including computers, major appliances, TVs, and more, can be returned. However, there is a 90-day window that starts from the date the customer receives the item.

Macy’s

For most items purchased at Macy’s, you normally have 30 days to return an item (and 90 days if your item was purchased as part of a gift registry). For the holiday season, the return timeframe is extended. Most purchases from October 7 through December 31 can be returned until January 31, 2025.

Target

Target offers a 90-day return window for most items, including items purchased through Target+. Customers who are Target Circle 360 members or purchased with their Target Circle card will receive an extra 30 days to make a return. All Target-brand items have a one-year window to return with a receipt.

Please note that some items, including electronics and limited-time offer collections, have their own return policies. Also, certain items can’t be returned, including gift cards and digital downloads.

Worst Return Policies

Apple

Apple only allows a 14-day window for returns, whether it’s purchased online or in-store. You are also not allowed to return an item to Apple if you didn’t buy directly from an Apple Store or on the Apple website. Products sold through other retailers must be returned under their own policy.

The company does offer an extended return period for the holidays. Items purchased between November 3 and December 25 may be returned through January 8, 2025.

Best Buy

Best Buy has a 15-day window for most items during normal business. For the holidays, most items bought between November 1 through December 31 can be returned by January 14, 2025.

Exclusions for this policy include items purchased with a third-party contract (including cell phones, cellular tablets & watches) and holiday decorations.

For Best Buy Plus and Best Buy Total members, purchases made between November 1 and November 16 can be returned by January 14. Purchases on or after November 17 have a 60-day return window.

GameStop

GameStop gives you 15 days from your in-store purchase or receipt of shipment of an unopened new item and 7 days for a used item to return or exchange. In addition, you must have your in-store receipt or GameStop.com order number to receive your refund.

For the holidays, any product purchased between November 17 and December 24 may be returned by January 18…and, again, you must have your receipt or order number.

Wayfair

The online retailer accepts returns for most items within 30 days of delivery. However, the item must be in its original, undamaged condition.

For the holidays, Wayfair allows purchases made between November 1 and December 31 (excluding large appliances) to be returned until January 31.

Several items, including open box items, clearance, gift cards, and personalized items, cannot be returned.