6 Easy Steps to Return or Exchange Unwanted Gifts

We’re not here to judge. Sometimes, a gift just doesn’t suit the recipient. Perhaps the shirt is the wrong size, the chair doesn’t fit your space, or you already own that specific book.

There are countless valid reasons to exchange or return a gift. Whatever your situation, these straightforward tips will guide you through the process.

A gift receipt can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary.

Is it considerate or inappropriate to include the physical receipt or packing slip with a gift? Opinions vary, but having these documents can significantly simplify the return or exchange process.

However, even without a receipt or slip, certain stores may still assist you. For example, Costco can process exchanges or refunds using just the membership number of the gift giver.

In some cases, you may only receive a store gift card as compensation.

Keep this in mind when handling Amazon returns. “Gift recipients cannot receive instant refunds,” states the company’s website. “If you’re the recipient, your refund will be issued as an Amazon.com Gift Card once your return is processed.”

However, gift givers typically have the choice to refund the amount to their original payment method.

Amazon will require your 17-digit order number for processing.

The person who purchased the gift should have received a packing slip or a “digital gift receipt,” also referred to as the “Order ID.”

However, if the buyer has misplaced this information, they should attempt to locate the item’s tracking number and reach out to the company. “If the order ID or tracking number is unavailable, the gift purchaser must contact us directly,” Amazon states.

Be aware that there may be time and space restrictions for returning your gift.

As stated on the Home Depot website, “Most items can be returned within 90 days with proof of purchase to The Home Depot,” though it’s wise to review their return policies for exceptions. Many major retailers, such as Target and Walmart, follow similar guidelines.

Additionally, some companies (like Macy’s) require that items bought in-store be returned to the same location.

Different items may have varying return or exchange policies at the same store.

Whenever possible, review the merchant’s official website and read the details carefully. Target allows exchanges for airbeds (for a “similar item”) but not returns. At Walmart, electronics like GPS units can be returned within 30 days, but prepaid wireless cell phones must be undamaged and returned within two weeks. Amazon offers only a 50 percent refund for CDs removed from their original packaging.

You can also consider donating or reselling the gift.

While major retailers often refuse returns for opened, tagless, or lightly used items, you can still find buyers. Try listing the gift on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay (a site famously celebrated in a Weird Al Yankovic song).

Alternatively, consider donating it to Goodwill—if done correctly, your donation might qualify for a tax deduction.