We've all had that sinking feeling when you open unwanted Christmas gifts - and start to wonder if there might be an option to return them. 

While there's no automatic right to return items bought in stores - unless they're faulty - many shops have generous return policies, especially 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.

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. 

Recommended reading:

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.

Apple

Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between 8 November 2024 and 25 December 2024 may be returned up to 8 January 2025. Purchases made with consumer financing are not eligible and are subject to the standard returns policy. All purchases made after December 25 2024 are subject to the Standard Returns Policy.

Argos

Items purchased from Friday September 27 2024 to Wednesday 25 December 2024 can be returned right up to Friday January 31 2025.

ASOS

They have extended their returns policy for Christmas 2024. Orders placed between November 18 2024 and December 16 2024 can be returned up until January 13 2025. Orders placed after December 16 2024 are subject to regular returns timeframes.

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.

Currys

This Christmas return policy allows customers to purchase products between November 5 and December 24, with the ability to return them by January 14. You must have proof of purchase to receive a refund or exchange.

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.. However the group said it is unable to process refunds between Boxing Day and December 28.

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

Items ordered online or purchased in Next stores between Friday October 25 2024 and Wednesday December 25 2024 can be returned up until, and including Sunday January 5 2025 for a full refund back to your original payment method. Just make sure your unwanted gifts are unused, in the original packaging (if appropriate) and still have the tags attached. If you’re returning an item bought in store please bring proof of purchase. If the items are returned after the January 5 and were received over 28 days ago, then refunds will only be in the form of an eVoucher. 

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 from Monday October 28 2024 can be returned for a refund, as long as they are returned unworn and in perfect saleable condition within their original packaging up until Sunday January 5 2025. Please retain the receipt as proof of purchase. 

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, we apply an extended returns period at this time of year: these items can be returned until the end of January.