Returning a Gift? Here Are Major Retailers' Holiday Return Policies

The gift-giving season will come to an end and that means you'll probably have at least one present you don't need. And that means it's important to know what the big retailers' return policies are in case you need to make a return.

A company's return policy outlines the rules around returning a purchased item back to the retailer, either to receive a refund or an exchange. Most companies put a time limit on how long you have to return or exchange an item.

Keep reading for the return windows and policies of Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Macy's. For more, learn how to cut shipping costs at these retailers.

Amazon returns

Items bought from Amazon — even Amazon Warehouse — typically have a 30-day return window. Since 30 days can come and go quickly, it's always best practice to open the package immediately to determine if you want to keep it. If not, box it back up in the same packaging and ship it back as soon as possible.

If you need to make a return past the 30-day window, you may be able to get a refund for up to 80% of the total price on an Amazon gift card. Many Amazon retailers will also exchange the item for another size or color for free. Amazon sellers may all have different return policies, so be sure to read the product details to catch any special considerations. 

For tips on how to ship the Amazon return, follow these guidelines. 

Apple returns

Apple's standard return policy is 14 days from the date you received the product. Note, only items that have been purchased directly from Apple, either online or at an in-person Apple Retail Store, can be returned to Apple.

Apple has an extended holiday return policy. Eligible products from Apple Store Online received between Nov. 8, 2024, and Dec. 25, 2024, may be returned through Jan. 8, 2025. 

Walmart returns

Walmart's standard online or in-store return policy is typically 90 days from the purchase date. This time of year, Walmart offers extended holiday returns -- most items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 are returnable through Jan. 31, 2025. 

Walmart does have some exceptions for returns. For instance, Marketplace and consumer electronics items are only returnable within 30 days. When purchasing an item, double-check Walmart's full return policy  for details.

Walmart -- like many other retailers -- offers extended holiday returns. 

Walmart

Target returns

Target also has a standard 90-day return policy, with a few exceptions. If you have the RedCard, Target's credit card, you have a full 120 days to make returns. And you're returning a Target brand item or an item from your registry, you have a full year to make the return. 

Target also offers an extended holiday return policy for certain items:

• For all electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple & Beats products) purchased between Nov. 7 and Dec. 24, a 30-day refund period will start on Dec. 26, and items must be returned by Jan. 24, 2025.
• For Apple products, including Beats, and mobile phones purchased in-store or online as a pickup order between Nov. 7 and Dec. 24, a 14-day refund window starts on Dec. 26, and items must be returned by Jan. 8, 2025.
  

Best Buy returns

Best Buy offers a standard 15-day return policy for most products and a 14-day return window for activatable devices like phones or tablets. My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total members have a full 60 days to return anything purchased, excluding activatable devices.

If you're returning a gift you received, you'll get store credit for the purchase price if you return it in a store. If you return the gift by mail, the gift buyer will get the credit.

Best Buy also offers an extended holiday return policy. Purchases made Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 have an extended return window through Jan. 14, 2025, with a few exceptions. 

Macy's returns

Items from Macy's must be returned within 30 days. If it's an item from a gift registry, you have a 90-day window from the event date to return it.

For the holiday season, Macy's return timeframe is extended. Most purchases made between Oct. 7, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024, will be returnable until Jan. 31, 2025.

For more, here's how to save on your next Target shopping trip and nine Amazon Prime tips you shouldn't forget.