How to Avoid Long Lines When Returning Christmas Gifts
Delay past peak days, start returns online, and bring gift receipts to move through holiday returns fast.
You can skip long return lines by going at store opening on a weekday morning and starting the return online first. If you can wait, use extended January deadlines to delay your trip past the day after Christmas, weekends, and evenings. A gift receipt is a slip that lets you return a gift without seeing what the giver paid.
Holiday windows, eligible locations, restocking fees and refund-versus-credit rules vary by store and can change anytime. The Better Business Bureau advises reading each store return policy before going in person or starting an online return BBB holiday returns guide.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Check your deadline before you leave
Amazon lets customers return most items bought November 1–December 31 until January 31 of the next year. Apple-brand products are due earlier by January 15, according to Amazon Seller News via PPC Land PPC Land summary of Amazon's annual rule. Target extends returns only for electronics, entertainment, Apple/Beats and most Target Plus items bought November 1–December 24, 2026.
Most other unopened Target items keep the normal 90-day window, according to Target Help Target's holiday return schedule.
Go when lines are short
Return lines run longest the day after Christmas, on weekends, and in evenings. Pennysaver notes shoppers who can delay should go at store opening on a weekday morning. If your deadline allows, wait a few days past the rush instead of joining the first crowd.
The Better Business Bureau advises shoppers to use extended January deadlines to wait out crowds without missing the cutoff.
Start online, then drop off nearby
Online buyers can often start the return online and finish at a local store or carrier drop point. The Better Business Bureau points to that choice as a way to save on shipping. Those options include box- and label-free drop-offs at about 10,000 UPS Happy Returns Return Bars.
That count comes from a Retail Dive report on UPS drop-offs Retail Dive report on UPS drop-offs.
- Start the return on the store site and pick in-store or drop-off.
- Save the code or label on your phone.
- Bring the item with tags and packaging.
Bring what keeps you out of a second line
Most stores require the receipt or gift receipt plus original packaging. Many also ask for photo ID, and without a receipt they generally offer only store credit or an exchange. The Better Business Bureau lists those receipt and ID checks as standard.
Stores are not legally required to give refunds or exchanges unless goods were defective or misrepresented. Sellers may charge restocking or return-shipping fees, so confirm who pays before you mail. The Better Business Bureau advises confirming those costs in advance.