As this year’s holiday shopping kicks into high gear, major department stores are quietly slipping new fees and tighter timelines into their return policies — meaning even carefully chosen gifts could cost you extra when you go to send them back. But before you click “return,” there are savvy ways to avoid those charges and protect your holiday budget. Read on to learn the tips every gift buyer needs to know this season.
This holiday season, shoppers are facing an unexpected change: many major retailers have quietly updated their return policies, adding fees that can cut into your refund. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 75% of stores now impose some form of return charge, particularly on online orders returned by mail. These fees, often called restocking or return fees, mean that even if your gift is unopened or in perfect condition, you could still lose part of what you paid.
Here’s a look at some of the retailers and the fees they currently charge for returns:
- Best Buy: $45
- Marshall’s: $11.99
- J. Maxx: $11.99
- Macy’s: $9.99
- JCPenney: $8
- J. Crew: $7.50
- Abercrombie & Fitch: $7
- American Eagle Outfitters: $5
- H&M: $3.99
Beat holiday return fees with these simple tips
Return fees and restocking charges can quickly eat into your holiday budget, but there are practical ways to minimize or avoid them altogether. By understanding store policies and planning your purchases carefully, you can protect your refunds and keep more money in your pocket. Here are some tips to avoid holiday return charges:
- Check the return policy before buying: Always read the retailer’s return rules, including time limits, restocking fees, and shipping requirements.
- Keep receipts and order confirmations: Proper documentation can prevent disputes and ensure you receive the full refund.
- Opt for in-store returns when possible: Returning items in person often avoids the fees charged for mail-in returns.
- Use free return shipping options: Some retailers offer prepaid labels or free returns; take advantage of these when available.
- Buy from stores with generous holiday return windows: Larger return periods reduce the risk of being hit with late fees.
- Inspect items immediately: Make sure gifts aren’t damaged or defective to avoid restocking charges.
- Avoid opening or using gifts unnecessarily: Many stores charge fees if the product is used or not in original packaging.
- Bundle orders to reduce shipping: Some retailers charge per-package fees; combining items into one shipment can save money.
- Sign up for store loyalty programs: Members sometimes receive free return perks or extended return periods.
- Consider exchanges instead of refunds: Exchanging items in-store or online may help you avoid fees entirely.
Know your holiday gift return deadlines
Many major retailers have adjusted their return windows for gifts bought during the holiday shopping season, giving shoppers more time to exchange or return items without penalties. For the 2025 holiday season, Amazon allows most purchases made between November 1 and December 31 to be returned through January. 31, 2026 — though certain Apple‑branded products must be returned by January 15.
Walmart similarly extends its holiday return policy, letting most items purchased in‑store or online from early October through the end of December be returned until January 31, 2026.
Target offers extra time for qualified purchases made between November 1 and Dec. 24, with most non‑electronics items returnable through January 24, 2026, while Apple and Beats products have an earlier cutoff in early January.
Other retailers have their own extended deadlines: Best Buy lets shoppers return qualifying holiday purchases until January 15, 2026, while Macy’s and Kohl’s both allow most holiday purchases made through December 31 to be returned through January 31, 2026.
Sources: ABC News, TheFreebieGuy, The Krazy Coupon Lady