Business & Tech

Six Tips for Returning and Exchanging Those Holiday Gifts

Here's a quick list of tips to look over before you decide to return or exchange some of those holiday gifts.

Perhaps that snazzy electric blue sweater your favorite aunt got you isn't quite your type, or maybe that awesome Forever Lazy loungewear you won in the White Elephant gift exchange is a little snug, well don't worry, you're one of the millions who are expected to hit the stores this week to return or exchange holiday gifts.  

According to the National Retail Federation, starting Dec. 26, shoppers will return a record-high $46.28 billion in holiday merchandise.

Here's a short checklist to help your trip back to the busy stores, malls and shopping centers a little smoother:

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Refunds and Exchanges Checklist

  • Know the seller’s return policy and timeline. Retailers often provide extended return/exchange holiday timeframes. Circle those dates on your calendar to avoid missing the date(s).
  • Be aware that return policies vary, so confirm before purchasing. Common return policies include cash-back, a credit card refund, a corporate refund check, or store credit. 
  • Check if there are restocking fees for returned items.
  • Save your receipt along with any other documentation regarding the purchase. Your receipt serves as proof of purchase. 
  • Do not open the box. Some businesses will only provide you with a full refund if the merchandise remains in an unopened box. Do note that some retailers will only provide exchanges for open box items.
  • If you like an item but just want a different size, be sure the store has the size you want before returning the item. If not, see if they can order it for you.

Rancho Bernardo Patch Editor Shauntel Lowe contributed to this report.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here