Hated your gift? Here are the return deadlines and policies for most major retailers
Sometimes it's the wrong size. Sometimes it's just the last thing you wanted. Here's how long you have to return your holiday mismatched gifts
Tom Ervin
It's the thought that counts, but that doesn't mean every gift is a good fit.
If you get a few things that aren't on your list this year, some things that don’t fit, or something that you just can’t stand, you generally still have a chance to return it for store credit (or, if you’re lucky enough to have gotten a receipt with it, cash back).
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That said, once the last present is unwrapped, the clocks starts ticking. And your window to return the unwanted gift varies from store to stores.
Some gifts, of course, can’t be returned for a variety of reasons, including if they were bought too early, but it's worth a shot. Here are the deadlines you’re facing to return unwanted presents from holiday 2025.
Retail return policies for holiday 2025
Amazon
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. (Jan. 15 for Apple $AAPL products.)
Apple
Return deadline of Jan 8 for purchases made between Nov. 12 and Dec. 25, 2025.
Bath & Body Works
Return anything at any time, whether it's new, defective, or gently used.
Best Buy
For most purchases made between Oct. 31 and Dec. 31, you can return them until Jan. 15.
Bloomingdale's
Any items bought between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 can be returned through Jan. 15.
Foot Locker
Return unworn items within 45 days of their ship date — and you can get a refund.
GameStop
You've got 15 days to return new items, but if you received a used item, the return window lasts only seven days.
J. Crew
For orders placed from Nov. 4 through Dec. 9 have a return deadline of Jan. 9.
Kohl’s
Items purchased after Oct. 5 can be returned through Jan. 31, though there are exceptions for premium electronics and watches and Sephora products.
L.L. Bean
Virtually any item may be returned within 365 days of purchase.
Macy's
Return deadline of Jan. 31 for any purchase made from Oct. 6 onward.
Marshall's
Purchases made between Oct. 5 and Dec. 24 can be returned through Jan. 25.
Neiman Marcus
Anything bought after Nov. 15 faces a return deadline of Jan. 15, with the exception of Chanel handbags, accessories, apparel and shoes, which are subject to their own special holiday return policy. (Items bought after Dec. 15 have a 30 day return window.)
PetCo
Returns accepted within 60 days of purchase.
Target
Most items (in new condition) can be returned within 90 days. If you have a receipt, you've got a full year.
Walmart
The return window for products purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 is open through Jan. 31.