Here's Every Major Store's Holiday Return Policy for 2023

If you've found yourself stuck with unwanted gifts from winter holiday celebrations and need to make some returns, it pays to be aware of store return policies. But while retailers are often generous with holiday returns, some shortened their extended return windows for 2023. Others are evaluating the costs of returns and even telling unhappy customers to keep items they ordered online instead of sending them back.

Not all retailers have taken this route during the holiday season, though. And that could mean some returns could be more of a headache — and more of an expense — than usual. If you want hassle-free holiday returns, pay close attention to each retailer's holiday return policy. Also be careful not to make mistakes that might leave you stuck with an unwanted gift.

Here's everything you need to know about making holiday returns, including the 2023 holiday return policies for major retailers.

What You Need to Know About Holiday Returns

How to Return Holiday Gifts

Every store has its own return policy, but typically the process for returning holiday gifts is pretty similar wherever you go. If someone bought the item at a physical retailer, take it back to the customer service counter and present your receipt to process a return or exchange. Be ready to show a photo ID, as well.

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What if the person bought the item online? Then contact the retailer with an order number to request a return. They'll usually provide you with shipping instructions and a label to return the product. While the retailer may cover the return shipping, know that some stores only process a return at your cost. You can usually return an item for cash, store credit, or exchange it for another size or color.

Some retailers provide even more return options. For example, last year Walmart began offering curbside returns, so you may not need to go into the store. And Walmart+ customers that pay the InHome fee can get returns picked up from their doorstep. Amazon, meanwhile, allows you to make Amazon returns at Kohl's stores, so you don't have to worry about packing or shipping.

But this "simple" process has a lot of potential caveats, and you should read the fine print of a store's return policy before trying to return any holiday gifts. You also need to be aware that a store's return policy may not apply to third-party merchants who sell through the site. Because of that, you may need to dig for additional return information for Walmart Marketplace sellers or Amazon third-party sellers, for example.

You'll need to know the following information before initiating a return:

• How long you have to return an item
• How and where to return it
• What proof of purchase is required
• What the return will cost you (if anything)
• Whether the item is returnable at all

For holiday returns, the process can be even more complicated. That's because retailers often have extended holiday return windows for items bought during a particular time frame. And the holiday season purchase windows and return deadlines vary from retailer to retailer.

If you need to make a return, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at the typical return rules.

How Long Do You Have to Return Holiday Items?

Many major retailers offer a more generous return window during the holidays, allowing customers to return holiday purchases well into January. For example, the Walmart holiday return policy for 2023 allows items purchased as early as October 1 of 2023 to be returned as late as January 31, 2024. And many major retailers have similar policies.

How long do you have to make returns the rest of the year? Return policies often let you bring in items for a refund or exchange within 14 to 30 days of purchase, and some retailers offer up to a year to return your items. Expect the average exchange window to be 30 to 90 days after purchase.

Some product categories can have shorter return windows, so it's important to read the fine print. Electronics often have less time for returns, and mobile phones usually have short 2-week windows.

In the end, don't count on a lengthy return window. If you want to return a gift, do it as quickly as you can.

Do You Need a Receipt to Make a Return?

You don't always need a receipt to make a return, but having a standard one or a gift receipt will make the process a lot easier. Without that proof of purchase, you may only be able to get store credit or an exchange rather than a refund.

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Sometimes retailers are able to look up purchases based on the card used to pay for the item, or the order number for online orders. But the easiest way to get a refund is to have the receipt.

If you've received a gift you don't want, it's worth asking for the receipt. (And whenever you're giving a gift, it's polite to include a gift receipt, just in case!)

Are There Items You Can't Return?

If an item is clearly used, you probably can't return it unless it's defective in some way. Sometimes even opening the box or removing the tags on a product is enough to make an item unreturnable — or at least make the return process more complicated.

Many retailers won't accept used items and may charge restocking fees for open-box products. If you want an easy holiday return, don't open the box, remove the tags, or use the item before returning it.

Also, don't expect to be able to return items such as gift cards, custom or personalized items, seasonal products, perishable goods, and final sale items. Whenever you're buying gifts, look at the store's return policy to be sure your gift recipient can return or exchange them if they want to do so.

Does Returning Items Cost Anything?

Returning items may come at a cost, but not always. If you're returning an item by shipping it back to the retailer, you may be responsible for shipping costs, which are typically deducted from your refund. You also probably won't be getting the original shipping charges refunded either, unless the retailer made a mistake.

What if the item is from a retailer with a local store? Then you can often avoid shipping fees by returning the item in-store instead of shipping it back.

Some products may have a restocking fee you need to pay when you return them. While the items that incur restocking fees vary by retailer, high-end tech products like smartphones and open-box products commonly have them. When restocking fees apply, they're typically 15% of the purchase price, though they can vary. So check the fine print to see if restocking fees will apply to your return and how much they'll cost.

Who Has the Best Return Policy?

Costco is one retailer that's quite generous about the items they'll accept. In fact, the Costco return policy includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee on most items. And Costco customer service will even help you get warranty service or technical support on certain items that don't have that guarantee.

Sam's Club, Bath & Body Works, and Yankee Candle also have generous return policies. They allow you to return most items at any time. Check out more info on their policies below.

Top Tips for Easy Holiday Returns

You really only need to remember two things when you want to make your Christmas or other holiday returns hassle-free:

• Don't open the box or remove the tags
• Keep the receipt (or gift receipt)

Still read the return policy and follow any return procedures and deadlines the retailer has. But if you stick to these two rules, then most returns should be pretty straightforward. And even if you did open the box or you lost the receipt, you can probably still make a return. It's just likely to be a bit more difficult.

Holiday Return Policies for 2023

Need details on a specific store's holiday return policy for 2023? Check out our list of return policies for Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and other major retailers below. Just remember to always examine the fine print, because the standard return policy usually doesn't apply to all products or product categories.

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