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If you still have a bag of Christmas gift returns waiting to go back, there may still be time for a refund, but be quick, as many policies are close to their final deadline. While there's no automatic right to return items bought in stores - unless they're faulty - many shops have generous return policies, especially for things bought over the festive period. It makes sense - customers are more likely to be loyal if they aren't stuck with an unwanted gift.
In these cases, the buyer may be able to return the present and get a refund, exchange or credit note as a goodwill gesture offered at the shop's discretion, not a legal right. It's also worth noting that the recipient isn't always allowed to return the gift - it's often just the buyer. Return rights generally apply only to the person who actually paid for the item, and you'll usually need a receipt to prove it, which can lead to an awkward conversation with the person who gave the gift about why you don't like it.
However, if you have a gift receipt, that's a big help. If not, and you don't want to tell the giver of the gift, you could try with the store anyway, but there are no guarantees it'll work. What happens if the unwanted gift was bought online? If your gift was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, then the good news is the person who bought it has return rights, and again, some stores may have more generous voluntary policies.
Recommended Reading: DWP Child Benefit increase 2025 new amount confirmed Family summer holidays for under £250 for the week Cheap train ticket hack that can reduce your rail fares by 78 per cent Legally they have 14 days after they receive their order to tell the seller that they intend to return the item and get a full refund – and if they choose to do this, they then have a further 14 days to actually return the item. So even if there's nothing wrong with the item and you just want to get something else, you can ask the person who gave it to you to return it and the shop must take it back - with certain exclusions, or if something perishable or made just for you. NB: If it's not faulty, you may still need to pay delivery costs.
Here's a guide to some of the bigger retailers' policies - with the exact dates to return items for a full refund, or an exchange: Amazon The Extended Holiday Returns policy requires that items purchased between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, are returnable through January 31, 2025, with some exceptions - check for details. Argos Items purchased from Friday September 27 2024 to Wednesday 25 December 2024 can be returned right up to Friday January 31 2025. B&M Christmas items from November 3 have until January 31 2025 to be returned.
Proof of purchase, like a receipt, will need to be provided. To qualify for a refund or replacement, products need to be complete with all components and original packaging. Boots They are offering an extended returns policy on Christmas gifts purchased online from October 1 2024 up until January 31 2025.
To return under this policy, you’ll need to retain the order number and return any unwanted items, in their original condition and unused. Normal exclusions apply. Refunds will be processed to the original method of payment.
For in-store purchases made from October 1 they will offer a refund or exchange until Friday January 31 2025 where an original receipt is presented. Dunelm They've extended their returns policy for Christmas. Anything purchased between November 1 until Christmas Eve can be returned up until January 31.
Proof of purchase is required, exclusions apply. H&M Items bought from October 10 to December 24 can be returned until January 31. IKEA You can return many unopened IKEA products within 365 days, for a full refund.
No rush, no complicated conditions. It’s best to bring your proof of purchase – or a digital receipt. JD Sports Refunds can be made on items purchased items from November 1 and January 22, with a valid proof of purchase.
John Lewis John Lewis's standard refund policy allows customers to return items within 30 days and get a refund. However, over the Christmas period it extends its policy, so this year goods bought between September 26 and December 24 2024 can be returned up until 23 January 2025. M&S The store has increased the length of time shoppers can return any unwanted products over the Christmas period.
Any purchases made online or in-store between October 10 and December 24 can be returned up until January 26, 2025. For any purchases made from December 25 onwards, M&S' normal refund policy will apply. NB: This does not apply to sale items.
NEXT You have 28 days to return any unwanted items, but they must be in perfect condition and in the original packaging. If you return your items within the 28 day period, they’ll process a full refund back to your original payment method. Outside that, they'll offer you with an eVoucher instead of a refund to your original payment method.
New Look Items purchased after 8th December can be returned within a 28 day returns period (or 14 days for sale items). They must be unworn and in their original condition, and r eturned with a valid order number or receipt. All refunds will be issued to the original method of payment and you can return online orders both in store and online.
Sainsburys Items purchased from Friday September 27 2024 to Wednesday December 25 2024 can be returned right up to Friday January 31 2025. Smyths Toys Items purchased from the September 2 can be returned until January 31. You need a receipt and the items must be unused, unopened, in its original condition and packaging.
Sports Direct Items bought in store or online can now be returned within 28 days of purchase. Remember to take your proof of purchase such as your despatch note or email and also the item you wish to return. Tesco Gifts purchased between October 1 and December 24 can be returned up until January 31, 2025.
Waterstones They will return or exchange an item bought as a Christmas gift, beyond their usual 60-day returns period. For this reason, they apply an extended returns period at this time of year: these items can be returned until the end of January. Zara Gifts must be returned within 30 days.
For online purchases you have 30 days from the shipping date of your order, or instore you have 30 days from the date of purchase. Items must be in their original condition and include all labels. If you can't come to the store to make the return, someone else can do it for you, but you will need an order QR code or purchase receipt.
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