At a Glance
- Amazon: 30-day return window, up to 80% refund on gift card after 30 days, free exchanges.
- Apple: 14-day return window, holiday window from Nov. 12, 2025 to Dec. 25, 2025 extends to Jan. 8, 2026.
- Best Buy: 15-day standard, 60-day for Plus members, holiday return window until Jan. 15, 2026.
- Macy’s: 30-day standard, 90-day registry, holiday window until Jan. 31, 2026.
- Target: 90-day standard, 120-day RedCard, 1-year registry, holiday windows vary by category.
- Walmart: 90-day standard, marketplace/electronics 30-day, holiday window until Jan. 31, 2026.
- Why it matters: Knowing exact windows saves you from missing deadlines and extra fees.
After the holiday season, many of us find ourselves with gifts we don’t want. Knowing how each major retailer handles returns can save time, money, and frustration. Below is a quick reference to Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Macy’s, Target, and Walmart return policies, plus shipping hacks.
Amazon
Amazon offers a standard 30-day return window for all items, including Amazon Warehouse. If you miss the 30 days, you may still receive up to 80% of the purchase price on a gift card. Sellers may have different policies, so check the product details and use the original packaging with a prepaid return label.
Apple
Apple‘s return policy is 14 days from the receipt date for items bought directly from Apple online or in-store. The holiday window runs from Nov. 12, 2025 to Dec. 25, 2025, with returns accepted until Jan. 8, 2026. Only Apple-direct purchases qualify; other sellers are excluded.
Best Buy
Best Buy allows 15 days for most products and 14 days for activatable devices like phones or tablets. My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total members get 60 days on all purchases, except activatable devices. Returning a gift in-store earns you store credit; mailing it gives the buyer store credit, and holiday returns extend to Jan. 15, 2026, with a few exceptions.
Macy’s
Macy’s requires returns within 30 days for most items. Registry items have a 90-day window from the event date. For holiday purchases made between Oct. 6, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025, returns are accepted until Jan. 31, 2026.
Target
Target‘s standard return window is 90 days, but RedCard holders enjoy 120 days, and registry items can be returned up to one year. Holiday extensions include:
- Electronics (excluding Apple & Beats) bought Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2025: 30-day window starting Dec. 26, due by Jan. 24, 2026.
- Apple products (including Beats) bought Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2025: 14-day window starting Dec. 26, due by Jan. 8, 2026.
- Target Plus items (excluding holiday décor): 30 days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 24, 2026.
Walmart
Walmart offers a 90-day return window for most items purchased online or in-store. Marketplace and consumer electronics are limited to 30 days. Holiday returns for items bought between Oct. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025 are accepted through Jan. 31, 2026.
| Retailer | Standard Window | Holiday Extension | Shipping Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 days | N/A | Use original packaging; prepaid label available |
| Apple | 14 days | Until Jan. 8, 2026 | Only Apple-direct purchases |
| Best Buy | 15 days (30 for Plus) | Until Jan. 15, 2026 | Store credit for in-store gift returns |
| Macy’s | 30 days (90 for registry) | Until Jan. 31, 2026 | |
| Target | 90 days (120 for RedCard) | Varies by category | |
| Walmart | 90 days (30 for marketplace/electronics) | Until Jan. 31, 2026 |
Key Takeaways
- Amazon: 30-day return, 80% gift-card refund after 30 days.
- Apple: 14-day return, holiday window to Jan. 8, 2026.
- Best Buy: 15-day standard, 60-day for Plus members, holiday to Jan. 15, 2026.
- Macy’s: 30-day standard, 90-day registry, holiday to Jan. 31, 2026.
- Target: 90-day standard, 120-day RedCard, holiday windows vary.
- Walmart: 90-day standard, 30-day for marketplace/electronics, holiday to Jan. 31, 2026.
Return your unwanted gifts with confidence by checking each retailer’s specific window and using the recommended shipping tips to avoid extra costs.
