They say it’s the thought that counts, but sometimes that’s just not true.
We all get some holiday gifts that just don’t hit the target. It could be clothes that are the wrong size. It could be something that’s simply nowhere close to your style. Or it could be something you already have. Whatever the reason, you want to take it back. The question is: How long do you have?
The answer? Not much longer, in a lot of cases.
Return policies vary by retailer—and they can be especially complicated during the holiday period. If your gift was a clearance item or used, you likely won’t have the opportunity to take it back. And some stores insist upon a receipt or identification.
If you’re fairly certain you won’t have problems returning whatever the gift you’d rather forget might be, however, here’s how long you have to do so.
Retail return policies for holiday 2019
Amazon
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2019.
Apple
Return deadline of Jan 8 for purchases made between Nov. 15 and Dec. 25, 2019.
Bath & Body Works
“Return anything, anytime for any reason. 100% Guaranteed”
Best Buy
“Almost every purchase made throughout November and December can be returned through January 14, 2020.”
Bloomingdale’s
Most items can be returned within 365 days
Fry’s
Return deadline of January 14 for purchases made between Nov. 29 and Dec. 24, 2019.
Gamestop
Return deadline of Jan 15 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2019.
Guess
Returns accepted within 45 days of purchase for items bought between Nov. 28 and Dec. 15, 2019.
L.L. Bean
Items may be returned within 365 days of purchase.
Macy’s
Tech accessories and Apple products purchased between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, 2019 can be returned until Jan. 8, 2020. Jewelry, watches, small electrics, social dresses, and Backstage merchandise purchased between Nov. 1and Dec. 31, 2019 can be returned until January 31, 2020.
Marshall’s
Return deadline of Jan 23 for purchases made between Oct. 14 and Dec. 25, 2019.
Neiman Marcus
Return deadline of Jan 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, 2019.
PetCo
Returns accepted within 60 days of purchase.
T.J. Maxx
Return deadline of Jan 25 for purchases made between Oct. 13 and Dec. 24, 2019.
Target
Most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days of purchase will receive a refund or exchange. (Apple products and smart phones must be returned within 14 days starting Dec. 26.)
Walmart
Return window for products with 14- or 30- day return policies will begin on Dec. 26, if item was purchased between Oct. 24 and Dec. 25. No change to items with 90-day return windows. (Marketplace items excluded.)