The holidays are over, and many shoppers are now sorting through gifts they don’t want or need. Return windows vary wildly between stores, so knowing the rules is essential to avoid missing deadlines or getting stuck with unwanted items. Here’s a breakdown of policies at Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Macy’s, Target, and Walmart, including extended holiday periods for the 2025–2026 season.
Amazon Returns
Amazon generally allows 30 days for returns on most items, including those from Amazon Warehouse. It’s best to open packages immediately to determine if you want to keep the product. If not, repackage it quickly and ship it back. If you miss the 30-day window, you may receive a refund of up to 80% on an Amazon gift card. Third-party sellers may have different rules, so always check product details.
Apple Returns
Apple’s standard policy is 14 days from the date of receipt. Only purchases made directly from Apple (online or retail stores) are eligible. However, for purchases made between November 12, 2025, and December 25, 2025, returns are accepted through January 8, 2026.
Best Buy Returns
Best Buy offers a 15-day return window for most products, dropping to 14 days for activatable devices (phones, tablets). My Best Buy Plus and Total members get an extended 60-day window (excluding activatable devices). Gift returns receive store credit in-store or credit the original purchaser when returned by mail. Purchases between October 31, 2025, and December 31, 2025, have an extended return window through January 15, 2026.
Macy’s Returns
Macy’s standard return period is 30 days. Gift registry items have a longer window: 90 days from the event date. For holiday purchases made between October 6, 2025, and December 31, 2025, returns are accepted through January 31, 2026.
Target Returns
Target’s standard policy is 90 days, with exceptions. RedCard holders get 120 days. Target-brand items and gift registry purchases have a full year for returns. Extended holiday periods apply: Electronics (excluding Apple/Beats) purchased November 1–December 24, 2025, must be returned by January 24, 2026. Apple products and mobile phones have a 14-day window starting December 26 (return by January 8, 2026). Most Target Plus items can be returned within 30 days of December 26 (return by January 24, 2026).
Walmart Returns
Walmart generally allows 90 days for returns, meaning purchases between October 1 and December 31, 2025, are returnable through January 31, 2026. Marketplace and consumer electronics have a shorter 30-day window. Always double-check the full policy at the time of purchase.
Conclusion: Retailers frequently extend their return windows during the holidays, but these periods vary. Staying aware of specific dates for each store will ensure unwanted gifts can be exchanged or refunded without issue. Always check the latest policy details before attempting a return.
