Holiday gift returns: What shoppers need to know

What happens if the holiday gift you give (or get) isn’t quite right? Consumer Reports has tips to navigate those post-holiday returns, refunds and exchanges.

It’s important to check the return policy before you buy. Every retailer has its own policy, but many extend the window through the end of January, effectively giving people a month to return or exchange a gift.

Walmart is allowing most items purchased between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 to be returned until Jan. 31.

At Target, you’ll have through Jan. 24 to return electronics and other entertainment items.

At Best Buy, make sure your returns are processed by Jan. 13.

And holiday gifts purchased from Amazon will need to be returned by Jan. 31.

If you’re not sure you’ll keep a gift, don’t remove tags or rip the box. You might incur a restocking fee, which could be up to 15% of what was paid if the packaging isn’t intact. That’s especially common for electronics.

Here's what you need to know before making your holiday returns:

• Don't remove products from their original packaging
• Keep the gift receipt
• Bring your ID
• Be nice to store employees, since they're ultimately the ones who decide whether to accept the return

You can return Amazon items at Amazon Go stores, Whole Foods and Kohl's. Most other major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Apple, will allow you to make online returns at their stores.

In-store returns

If in-store returns aren't your thing, you can print out the return shipping label at home and package the item yourself. You can schedule a pickup or take the package directly to the shipper.

Online purchases

For items purchased online, some retailers allow you to make your return in person at a walk-in store, so you can avoid shipping and restocking fees.

Don’t lose gift receipts. But if you don’t have one, you can still ask for a refund or even store credit.

Gift cards

If you receive a gift card, don’t forget to use it. Every year millions of dollars in gift cards go unused. By law, they can’t expire for at least five years from the date of activation.

If you know you won’t use a gift card, regift it to someone who will, or donate it to a charity.