The supply-chain issues of 2021 meant some compromises had to be made on holiday gifts. Unfortunately, some of those compromises were…well, not even in the same zip code of what you were hoping to get.
Inevitably, there’s a problem with some present every holiday season. It might be the wrong size. You might have gotten two of the same things or something you already own. Or the gift could simply be hideous.
Whatever the issue, it’s not a gift you’re interested in keeping. The question is: How long do you have?
That varies by store—and some gifts, of course, can’t be returned. But if you want to give it a try, here are the deadlines you’re facing.
Retail return policies for holiday 2021
Amazon
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2021.
Apple
Return deadline of Jan. 8 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, 2021.
Bath & Body Works
“Return anything, anytime for any reason. 100% Guaranteed.”
Best Buy
Return deadline of Jan. 16 for most purchases made between Oct. 18 and Jan. 2.
Bloomingdale’s
Most items can be returned within 90 days.
Foot Locker
Return items within 45 days of their ship date.
GameStop
Return deadline of Jan. 15 for purchases made after Oct. 31 (or 30 days from purchase, whichever is longer).
J. Crew
Return deadline of Jan. 9 for purchases made between Oct. 20 and Dec. 9.
Kohl’s
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for electronics purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25. Other items 180 days.
L.L. Bean
Items may be returned within 365 days of purchase.
Macy’s
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made starting Oct. 5.
Marshall’s
Return deadline of Jan. 25 for purchases made between Oct. 10 and Dec. 25, 2021.
Neiman Marcus
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, 2021.
Petco
Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase.
Staples
Return deadline of Jan. 24 for electronics and furniture purchases made between Nov. 8 and Dec. 24.
Target
Return deadlines vary by product:
Smartphones: Jan. 8
Apple products (excluding iPhones): Jan. 9
Other electronics: Jan. 24
Lego Collection: Jan. 8
Most other items can be returned within 90 days of their purchase date.
Walmart
Return window for products with 14- or 30-day return policies will begin on Dec. 26, if item was purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25. No change to items with 90-day return windows. (Marketplace items excluded.)
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