Here's how long you have to return that truly awful gift you received
The 2023 holiday season was one that was dominated by bargain hunting. Unfortunately, good deals don’t necessarily mean good presents. If you’re stuck with something that doesn’t fit, something you already own or something that you just can’t stand, you’ve got a little time to return it for store credit (or, if you’re lucky enough to have gotten a receipt with it, cash back).
The clock is already ticking, though. And the length the window will stay open depends entirely on where the gift was purchased.
Policies vary by store, of course, and some gifts can’t be returned, for a variety of reasons, including if they were bought too early. Here are the deadlines you’re facing to return unwanted presents from holiday 2023.
Retail return policies for holiday 2023
Amazon
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, 2023. (Jan. 15 for Apple products.)
Apple
Return deadline of Jan. 8 for purchases made between Nov. 3 and Dec. 25, 2023.
Bath & Body Works
Return anything, whether new, defective, or gently used, at any time.
Best Buy
Return deadline of Jan. 13 for most purchases made between Oct. 27 and Dec. 30.
Bloomingdale’s
Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
Foot Locker
Return items within 45 days of their ship date—and note they must be unworn.
GameStop
You can return new items within 15 days of purchase, but only have 7 days for used items. That could make returns tricky for this retailer.
J. Crew
Return deadline of Jan. 9 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 9.
Kohl’s
Return items within 180 days, with exceptions for premium electronics and watches, which must be returned within 30 days of purchase. Also, beauty purchases have a 60-day window.
L.L. Bean
Items may be returned within 365 days of purchase.
Macy’s
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for any purchase made from Oct. 2 onward
Marshall’s
Return deadline of Jan. 25 for purchases made between Oct. 8 and Dec. 24.
Neiman Marcus
Return deadline of 30 days from purchase receipt.
PetCo
Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase.
Target
Most products (in new condition) can be returned within 90 days.
Walmart
Return window for products purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 is open through Jan. 31.
