“How can I return a gift confidentially?” Your Christmas return rights explained

Receiving gifts is great, but there is no better feeling than buying someone a truly amazing gift. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned Christmas Give gifts.

This holiday season, you may find yourself needing to return a gift—either a gift you received or a gift you gave to someone else. Maybe it’s a piece of clothing that doesn’t fit right, or a piece of technology that breaks down after a few days.

in the internet age Shoppingwe are accustomed to returning items for a full refund for any reason. So it’s no surprise that we’re used to getting refund rights, but for items purchased in-store, your legal rights may not be as strong as you think.

Below, I answer some frequently asked questions about Christmas gift refunds, from secretly returning gifts to repairing damaged items. Additionally, I’ve compiled a list of the last return dates for the major stores over Christmas, including John Lewis, Argos, The Entertainer and more.

Do I have the legal right to return the item?

A common misconception is that you have the legal right to return an item purchased in-store, even if there is nothing wrong with it. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

When you shop online, you Do The right to return goods within 28 days, provided you notify the retailer within 14 days of delivery. But if you want to return an item you purchased in person, it’s up to the store to decide whether to let you return it for a refund.

If you change your mind, most major retailers allow you to return an item. How long you need to do this depends on the store’s individual policy. For return options at some of the most popular stores during the holidays, read on.

Can I return a defective item?

Yes, you have the legal right to return defective goods within 30 days of purchase or receipt. After 30 days, you can ask the retailer to repair or replace it. This applies to items purchased in-store or online.

It helps to remember that your rights belong to the retailer, not the manufacturer. Therefore, if the store where you purchased the item tells you that you need to contact the company that made the item, this is incorrect and you should point this out.

I received a gift I didn’t want – can I return it without the buyer knowing?

This is tricky, but not impossible depending on the circumstances.

Likewise, neither you nor the buyer have the legal right to return items purchased in-store. If you bring the item in-store with a gift receipt, the store may refund you, but may only offer you an exchange or store credit.

If the item was purchased online, the buyer has the right to return the item within 28 days (as stated above). But if you’re not a buyer, you’re going to have a hard time doing that without involving them, so maybe a frank conversation is required.

How long do I have to return a Christmas gift?

Many stores have more generous return policies over Christmas. To save you from searching the site yourself, we’ve rounded up all the dates you need to know below. Make sure you return the gift before the deadline.