HOW TO GET THE MOST MONEY WHEN RETURNING UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 

How to get the most money when returning unwanted Christmas gifts

By Ella Gonzales

Updated December 25, 2025 3:11 PM

 

Sometimes the gift you got from Uncle Frank just isn’t something you would ever use, or maybe that sweater just doesn’t fit right.

 

There are options for unwanted gifts — returns, exchanging, reselling or regifting. Ultimately, it’s best when you can replace that wrapped present with something you really want.

 

Here’s how to get the most when returning an unwanted gift. (Just don’t tell Uncle Frank.)

 

The sooner, the better

 

It’s always best to check the store policy of where your gift came from.

 

Most stores have a return window (typically around 30 days) of when you can exchange your unwanted item. If you miss the window, then, sorry Charlie!

 

Some stores do offer returns via shipping. So before braving the mall, check the store’s policy on returning the gift via the mail.

 

It’s safest to do Christmas returns during the month of January and no later. Bottom line: The sooner, the better.

 

Keep receipts or proof of purchase

 

If you receive a gift receipt, or a normal receipt, it’s more likely you can get cash back instead of store credit.

 

The receipt will also guarantee that you get the full amount of money that the gift was worth when it was bought.

 

If you try on your gift or use your gift before returning it, do not remove any tags or packaging hardware.

 

Most stores will accept gifts without receipts as long as they are still tagged or in the original packaging.

 

Note that for electronics, stores often charge restocking fees if you unwrap them. Keep electronics in the box it came in, untouched.

 

It’s best to keep the gift in the same condition as when you received it.

 

Resell or re-gift

 

If for any reason a gift is unreturnable or unexchangeable, you can always resell it online on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or another site.

 

If you don’t care about getting your money’s worth, you can always save the gift to re-gift to someone else.

 

This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM.