by Linsey Knerl

It’s holiday gift time, and chances are good that you’ll get something you really love this holiday season. There is a greater possibility, however, that you’ll find yourself with a gift you just can’t seem to make yourself love. Want to know how to deal with it? 

How to Easily Return Gifts

Store returns aren’t the most fun things we do during the holidays, but according to a poll conducted by Inside Indiana Business, almost 13% of people want to return items, but don’t. It’s simply too much of a hassle!  Whether you’ve received a gift that’s not quite right (the perfect sweater in a size too small, for example), or a horrible present that you never see yourself using, there is a solution for you. We’re going to detail the steps you can take to ensure hassle-free returns and a happy holiday season!

Why Should You Return?

First, it’s very important that you understand that returning a gift is OK. Not only is it in your best interest to exchange something you won’t use for something you can enjoy, but it guarantees that the money spent by someone you care about isn’t going to waste. In this economy, it’s even more important that every penny spent gets put to good use. Once you’ve determined that a gift is going back, there are some tips for making sure you get in, get out, and get home with the gift you truly want:

Gift Returning Rule #1: Don’t Open It

Unless you truly need to see what’s inside a pre-packaged gift, you should avoid breaking the manufacturer’s seal on any gift that you’re already inclined to return. Few stores will welcome back that unwrapped cheese log or CD, so take a good look at what you’re getting and make a decision without removing the packaging. If you get a present that has opened, do your best to keep it together until you get to the store. (Food items that have been unwrapped can most likely be returned if you’re honest in telling them that you received the item in opened condition.)  Don’t try to tape or reconstruct the packaging, however. That is obvious and will most likely get you a “no” from the returns department.

Gift Returning Rule #2: Go Early

If your family is one of those clans that exchanged Christmas gifts in November, you’re in the perfect position to avoid long customer service lines and get your exchanges done early. If you’re doomed to wait it out until December 27th, like the rest of us, hit the stores as early in the morning as possible, and don’t dally around. Get in, get out, and get done.

Gift Returning Rule #3: Bring a Receipt

While fees as high as 20% of the purchase price are common for items like opened electronics and video games, some high-end retailers will charge it for any return. 

This seems obvious, but many times the gift receipt gets tossed in the frenzy of wrapping paper and cardboard boxes. Be careful to save any gift receipt that comes with a gift and store it in someplace safe until you’re confident that you’ll be keeping the gift.. Some stores will accept a limited number of receiptless returns a year per person (a driver’s license is usually required), but unless you want to go through additional paperwork and pain, it’s best to bring your receipt with you.

Gift Returning Tip #4: Relax

It’s a stressful time for many, and this holiday will be no exception. With so many people clamoring for returns and exchanges at once, it’s easy to get frustrated by long lines, anxious shoppers, and tired employees. Be courteous, calm, and reasonable in your expectations.

Quick and Dirty Tips for Easier Returns

Here are a few additional quick and dirty tips for happier returns this holiday season:

Be prepared for restocking fees: Some stores charge a restocking fee for returned merchandise. Though fees as high as 20% of the purchase price are common when returning items such as opened electronics and video games, some high-end retailers will charge a restocking fee for any return. If you’re doing a straight exchange, be prepared to pay something for the convenience. If you’re just getting cash back, realize you’ll be coming up a bit short.


Have a game plan: Walk into a store knowing your game plan. If you’re doing a straight exchange, take the original gift and the item you want to exchange it for directly  to the customer service line. Make sure your new item has price tags attached for easy scanning, and know how much it costs. If you simply want a different size, understand that your desired item may not be in stock. Having a “plan B” is always a good idea.

Look for online options: With many retailers--like Amazon--offering the option of returning gifts through the mail, it’s easier than ever to get what you want. Just look for the packing slip that came with your gift, enter the order number online, and indicate if you’ll be exchanging or returning. You can print out your shipping label and hand it to your local UPS driver without ever leaving your living room (and you can say “goodbye” to frustrating mobs at your local retailer).

The spirit of giving is what counts this year, but there’s nothing wrong with putting a well-intended gift to good use. If you find that you can’t use an unreturnable gift, consider swapping for something you want or donating to charity. There is someone out there who’d love that too-small sweater--we promise!

As always, you can send us your questions, comments, and tips to dealista@quickanddirtytips.com or call 206-426-1615. We’re also on Facebook under “The Dealista!”