Not every present is a winner. As shoppers hunted for bargains this holiday season, some got so blinded by price they forgot to stop and think about whether anyone would want the gift in the first place.
Here’s the good news: If you got a stinker of a gift, odds are pretty good you can return it, but you’ll want to get moving in the next couple of days.
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 2024.
Retail return policies for holiday 2024
Amazon
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, 2024. (Jan. 15 for Apple products.)
Apple
Return deadline of Jan. 8 for purchases made between Nov. 8 and Dec. 25, 2024.
Bath & Body Works
Return anything, whether new, defective or gently used, at any time.
Best Buy
Return deadline of Jan. 14 for most purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.
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. However, any product purchased between Nov. 17 and Dec. 24 can be returned with receipt by Jan. 18.
J. Crew
Return deadline of Jan. 9 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 9.
Kohl’s
Return items within 90 days (or 120 days if you bought them with a Kohl’s card). Premium electronics and watches, however, must be returned within 30 days of purchase and beauty purchases generally have a 60-day window. There is an exception to these policies during the holiday season, though. Premium electronics, watches and Sephora at Kohl's item(s) purchased after Nov. 1 can be returned until Jan. 31.
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. 7 onward.
Marshall's
Return deadline of Jan 25 for purchases made between Oct. 6 and Dec. 24.
Neiman Marcus
Return deadline of Jan. 14 for any purchase made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 14.
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.
