There’s plenty to worry about when it comes to holiday shopping.
Sticking to a budget, navigating crowded stores and long lines, and deciding what to buy for Great Aunt Margaret — who seems to regift every present you’ve ever given her — can all be stressful.
The last thing you want is to wrestle with confusing return rules.
Don’t worry. To make giving (and receiving) presents less painful, here’s a breakdown of the return policies for many popular retailers.
Important note: Most retailer return policies presume purchases were made online or with a credit card. If you typically pay with cash, keep your receipts — without them, returning items can be far more difficult or even impossible.
1. Amazon’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are generally accepted within 30 days of delivery. That window is lengthened for the holiday season.
Item condition: Typically, used or open-box items bought from Amazon Warehouse and shipped by Amazon.com can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Some items have specific rules or requirements noted on their product pages.
Exceptions: Amazon lists a number of non-returnable items.
No receipt?: Not a problem — purchases tied to your credit card can be processed without a paper receipt, and returned shipments include a return slip.
Worth noting: One of Amazon’s strengths is the simplicity of returns, provided you have a convenient drop-off point nearby.
Read the full fine print.
2. Kohl’s Return Policy
In short: Most returns are accepted with or without a receipt within 90 days, or 120 days if you paid with a Kohl’s card.
Item condition: Items should not be used or damaged (unless they arrived damaged from an online order).
Exceptions: Gift cards are non-returnable.
No receipt? A Kohl’s associate may be able to locate your purchase. If they can’t, you might receive merchandise credit based on the lowest price of the item in the previous 13 weeks. You may also be asked for a valid ID.
Worth noting: Shipping charges on Kohls.com orders are not refunded.
Read thefull fine print.
3. Macy’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are free within 30 days of purchase. Holiday purchases made after Oct. 7, 2024, can be returned through Jan. 31, 2025. Items bought in-store must be returned in-store.
Item condition: Items must be unworn, unwashed and unaltered.
Exceptions: Some items carry special return terms.
No receipt? The card used for the purchase can help locate the transaction. You may also present a return label or packing slip for online orders.
Worth noting: New or gently used cosmetics or fragrances that don’t meet your expectations can be returned.
Read thefull fine print.
4. Walmart’s Return Policy
In short: Most returns are allowed within 30 days of purchase.
Item condition: Items should be in the original manufacturer’s packaging. Different departments may have unique requirements.
Exceptions: Certain electronics and luxury goods often must be returned within 14 days. Some appliances require returns within two days.
No receipt? Walmart can look up store purchases by debit/credit card, and online orders by phone number or email.
Worth noting: Walmart extends holiday return options: items bought between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 can usually be returned until Jan. 31 or within 90 days of purchase.
Read the full fine print.
5. Target’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are accepted within 90 days of purchase. If you used a Target RedCard, you get an extra 30 days.
Item condition: Most items should be unopened and in like-new condition. Some items have modified return rules noted on your receipt, in-store signage, Target.com or by department.
Exceptions: Several products have special rules — see Target’s full return policy for details.
No receipt? Target may attempt to find your receipt if you bring the item, a government-issued photo ID and the payment method to Guest Services within the allowed return timeframe.
Worth noting: For Target-owned brands, if you’re unhappy, you can return with a receipt within one year for an exchange or refund.
Read thefull fine print.
6. Apple’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are accepted within 14 calendar days from purchase (for in-store buys) or from receipt (for online orders). Only items bought directly from Apple or Apple retail stores can be returned to Apple.
Item condition: Varies by product. See Apple’s full return policy for specifics.
Exceptions: Opened software (unless never installed), electronic downloads, software upgrades, Apple Store gift cards and certain developer products are non-returnable.
No receipt? Original receipt or gift receipt is required.
Worth noting: Wireless carrier agreements are separate; returning a device may not cancel your wireless service or associated fees — contact your carrier for details.
Read thefull fine print.
7. Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic/Athleta’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are allowed within 30 days of purchase or delivery at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta.
Item condition: Items must be unwashed and unworn. Swimwear requires original tags and hygienic liners. Sunglasses must include tags and the complimentary case.
Exceptions: Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged. Online purchases marked “mail only” cannot be returned in-store.
No receipt? The policy doesn’t specifically outline the procedure for this scenario.
Worth noting: Online returns and exchanges by mail are free with a prepaid label (original shipping and handling fees are not refunded).
Read thefull fine print.
8. Office Depot/OfficeMax’s Return Policy
In short: Return windows vary by category:
- Office supplies: within 90 days of purchase
- Ink and toner: within 30 days
- Technology and consumer electronics: within 14 days
- Software, DVDs, video games: within 14 days
- Furniture: within 14 days
Item condition: Requirements depend on the product type — consult the full policy for details.
Exceptions: Special-order, custom and “manufacturer direct” items are not returnable or exchangeable unless damaged on arrival. Prepaid cards (gift cards, phone cards) are non-refundable.
No receipt? Returns without an original receipt require a valid government ID. Tech products without receipts aren’t eligible for return; software/media without receipts may only be exchanged for the exact same item.
Other returns without receipts (if the item is active in the store system) will be refunded on an Office Depot/OfficeMax merchandise card equal to the lowest retail price during the prior 90 days.
Worth noting: Office Depot/OfficeMax can require identification or decline exchanges/returns at their discretion.
Read thefull fine print.
9. Lowe’s Return Policy
In short: Most returns are accepted within 90 days of purchase.
Item condition: Items should include original manufacturer packaging, manuals and accessories.
Exceptions: Major appliances, outdoor power equipment, A/C units and utility vehicles must be returned within 48 hours of purchase.
No receipt? In many cases you don’t need a receipt if you provide the MyLowe’s card or the credit card used for the purchase. A receipt also may not be required if you supplied a phone number when purchasing and paid by cash or check. Lowe’s may limit returns without receipts.
Worth noting: Lowe’s can choose to repair, replace or refund items depending on payment method and other factors.
Read thefull fine print.
10. Home Depot’s Return Policy
In short: Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
Item condition: To receive a full refund, returns should include all components and parts.
Exceptions: Furniture, mattresses, area rugs, generators, gas-powered equipment and consumer electronics typically have 30-day return windows. See the complete list here.
No receipt? Returns without a receipt are allowed, but require a valid driver’s license or government ID.
Worth noting: This policy can be complicated with numerous exceptions, and procedures differ for in-store versus online purchases. See the full return policy for details.
Read the full fine print.
11. Walgreens’ Return Policy
In short: Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase.
Item condition: Varies by item — check Walgreens’ full return policy for specifics.
Exceptions: Sexual wellness and seasonal products are not refundable. Cosmetics and electronics are usually handled at store manager discretion and often refunded as store gift cards.
No receipt? Look up the product’s page on Walgreens’ website to see if returns are allowed. If so, a refund may be issued as a store gift card, but the final decision rests with the store manager.
Worth noting: Eligible online orders can typically be returned in-store within 30 days of the receipt date.
Satisfaction is guaranteed on Walgreens-brand products; if you’re not fully satisfied — even with opened and used items — you may return the unused portion for a full refund, including shipping if bought online.
Read thefull fine print.
12. PetSmart’s Return Policy
In short: Returns are allowed within 60 days of purchase.
Item condition: Items must be in their original packaging and in resalable condition.
Exceptions: For items valued at $10 or more — such as electronic collars, fencing/training equipment, grooming tools, filters or pumps, and non-prescription pet meds or vitamins — you need a valid receipt to return or exchange.
No receipt? Bring the item and a valid ID to any store; you’ll receive a merchandise return card for the most recent sale amount.
If you exchange for another product and there’s leftover value, refunds will be issued to the original payment method (cash refunded in cash, card refunds to the card, etc.).
Worth noting: If you bring a pet product from another retailer with its original receipt into PetSmart, they’ll offer a refund via a merchandise card or allow an exchange for a similar PetSmart item.
Read the full fine print.
13. Best Buy’s Return Policy
In short: Most items are eligible for return within 15 days of purchase; My Best Buy Plus™ and My Best Buy Total™ members get 60 days. Purchases made Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 have extended return windows through Jan. 14, 2025 (some exceptions apply).
Item condition: Items don’t have to be in original packaging or include all accessories, though missing pieces can reduce your refund.
Exceptions: Cell phones with contracts must be returned within 14 days and carry a $45 return/exchange fee.
No receipt? Best Buy will still issue refunds without a receipt, but you must present a photo ID.
Read thefull fine print.
Contributors: Kent McDill and Larissa Runkle provided input for this overview. Article edited by Dana Brooks.
