Thinking ahead? Here are store policies around Florida for returning holiday gifts
Christmas time is here. That means shopping. Eating. Family. Fun. Snow, well, maybe not in Florida unless you're at Snowcat Ridge. Did we mention shopping?
While you're out there searching for the perfect gift, in the back of your mind you might be thinking about the gifts you'll receive and maybe how you'll return them. Also consider how someone may have to return what you just spent hours searching for. Hey, it happens!
To help remove some of the headaches, here are a few suggestions and store policies for returning that not-so-perfect gift.
4 tips for returning unwanted gifts
Consumer Reports offered these suggestions when it comes to returning gifts:
Don’t open the box and don't remove the tags.
Keep gift receipts. For most stores, making a return is a lot easier with a gift receipt. At some, you won't be able to make a return without it and at others, you'll get a store credit at the lowest recent sales price.
Check return policies. Time limits vary widely from store to store and for different types of products.
Bring ID. Some stores use authorization systems to detect abuse, so you may be asked to show your driver’s license or other government-issued ID.
How to return an Amazon gift
For the 2023 holiday season, according to Amazon, most of the items — other than Apple brand products — purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, can be returned until Jan. 31, 2024. For Apple products, items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, can be returned until Jan. 15, 2024.
Some items cannot be returned. For a list, see Items that can't be returned.
This is a little trickier than returning a gift to a brick-and-mortar store. If you purchased a gift for yourself — you know you do — here's what to do:
Enter the order number (found on the packing slip inside the package)
Select the item you're returning
Explain why you're returning the item
Ask for a refund to your Amazon account
Select an option on how you'll return the item
Return the item
What if someone gave it to you? Hopefully, the sender included a gift receipt. If so, and they marked it as a gift when they bought it, you can follow the steps outlined above. Note that the sender won't be notified the gift is being returned.
If the sender didn't include a gift receipt or the order number, and for some reason you don't want to ask them for it, you'll have to contact customer service at Amazon. For faster service, Amazon suggests having the gift giver's email address, phone number and the package tracking ID ready, if you have it.
However, many participants in online forums say it is nearly impossible to return an Amazon gift without that order number.
Walmart policies for gift returns
Most items purchased in-store or online from Oct. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023, are returnable until Jan. 31, 2024. See online list of exceptions .
Returns are available for nearly everything Walmart sells. The store recommends keeping track of all manufacturer packaging and your receipt for a minimum of 90 days after purchase.
Get a cash refund if the refund value of the returned item is less than $10. Get a Walmart gift card if the refund value of the returned item is $10 or over.
Target policies for gift returns
Most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange.
If you didn't receive a packing slip with your gift, you can call Target.com Guest Services for help in processing your return. You may receive a refund in the form of a merchandise return card.
Home Depot policies for gift returns
Most merchandise can be returned within 90 days with proof of purchase.
If the item was a gift and you don't have a receipt, take it to a store to receive store credit.
Lowe's policies for gift returns
Most new, unused merchandise can be refunded or exchanged at Lowe's with receipt within 90 days of the original purchase date.
For returns without a valid receipt, Lowe’s, at its discretion, may issue in-store credit for the item’s current selling price.
Lowe’s requires a valid picture ID — state driver’s license, state ID card or military ID — for returns without a receipt.
Barnes and Noble policies for gift returns
For returns with a gift receipt, a store credit will be issued in the form of an electronic gift card for the purchase price within 60 days of purchase. A store credit will also be issued for all textbook returns.
Returns or exchanges will not be permitted after 30 days or without receipt or for product not carried by Barnes & Noble.
Shrink-wrapped or sealed products that have been opened and/or removed from original packaging may not be returned, unless it is defective, in which case it can be exchanged only for the same product.
Best Buy policies for gift returns
Purchases made Oct. 27 through Dec. 30 have an extended return period through Jan. 13, 2024.
Best Buy will provide you store credit for the purchase price of a gift you return in store.
Reimbursements on returns lacking proof of purchase may require an email address, may be denied or limited, and state sales taxes and fees will not be reimbursed.
GameStop policies for gift returns
GameStop reserves the right to limit, or decline returns or exchanges regardless of whether the customer has a receipt.
All returns require a receipt or a GameStop.com order number.
Sam's Club policies for gift returns
Most items can be returned at any time but there are exceptions. Electronics and major appliances have to be returned within 90 days.
Sam's prefers an original receipt or printed order, but if that’s not available, the store said it would do its best to process the return without it.
Costco policies for gift returns
With few exceptions, Costco said it has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Bring the product to any Costco warehouse. It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process the return.
Costco will accept returns within 90 days, with a few exceptions.
Kohl's policies for gift returns
Kohl's will accept most returns up to 180 days after the original purchase date, with or without a receipt.
If the store is unable to locate the purchase, you will receive a Kohl’s merchandise credit based on the lowest discounted 13-week sale price for the item being returned. Additional processing may be required, and the store may ask for a valid ID.
JCPenney policies for gift returns
Most purchases made on or after Oct. 15 may be returned through Jan. 15, 2024 with an original or gift receipt. Refunds will be issued on the original form of payment or JCPenney gift card.
Returns without a receipt may be eligible for a JCPenney merchandise return voucher at the item’s lowest selling price in the last 45 days when accompanied by a valid ID. Some exclusions apply.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: From Amazon to Walmart, store return policies, gift deadline dates
