Holiday shopping best, worst return policies

When you’re making your holiday gift list this year, keep in mind that where you buy presents is just as important as what you buy.

Wait, what? Isn’t it the thought that counts? And what if you put a lot of thought into finding the perfect gifts for friends and family? They shouldn’t care where you bought those gifts.

They shouldn’t, but it’ll be important if they want to return those gifts. The chances are pretty high that some of the gifts you buy will be returned. A survey by Oracle Retail found that 77% of consumers plan to return at least a portion of their gifts this holiday season. Nearly 1 in 5 expect to return more than half of their gifts.

Yes, the thought behind a gift does count. But you should also think about buying gifts at stores with generous return policies to make it easier for your friends and family to take back the items they don’t want. Who has time to research store return policies, though?

Don’t worry: GOBankingRates has done the research for you. This report looked at 71 of the top U.S. retailers to find out which ones have the best and worst return policies. Return policies were ranked based on the time allotted to return items for a full refund, whether a refund is given in the form of original payment, whether an item can be returned without a receipt and whether free shipping is available for online returns. The stores on GOBankingRates’ list are organized by retail category and listed from best to worst in each category.

So, if you’re trying to figure out where to do your holiday shopping, consider these stores that offer generous returns — and think twice before shopping at stingy retailers.

Big-box retailers

A majority of shoppers — 71% — plan to do holiday shopping at big-box stores, according to RetailMeNot. That’s probably no surprise, considering that these retailers offer such a wide range of products. If you’re planning to do your shopping at a big-box retailer, the good news is that the two biggest players in this retail sector — Walmart and Target — have generous return policies. In fact, Walmart’s return policy is better than most on this list.

1. Walmart

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A, except the return window is extended until Jan. 10, 2020, for items with a 14-day return limit

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

Target was ranked No. 2 for return policies among big-box retailers in the 2019 GOBankingRates. ... — Target was ranked No. 2 for return policies among big-box retailers in the 2019 GOBankingRates.com survey of the nation's major retailers. (Jeff Bukowski/Shutterstock.com)

2. Target

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

3. K-Mart

Days to return for a full refund: 45

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for purchases made Nov. 1, 2019, through Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. Big Lots

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

5. Sears

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for purchases made Nov. 1, 2019, through Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

Thanks to having no time limit on returns, Nordstrom ranks No. 1 for return policies among clot ... — Thanks to having no time limit on returns, Nordstrom ranks No. 1 for return policies among clothing and department stores. (Sue Hwang/GOBankingRates)

Clothing and department stores

After gift cards, clothing and accessories are the second-most popular items on Americans’ holiday wish lists this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Be careful where you do your holiday shopping for clothes — return policies can vary greatly among retailers in this category.

Department stores tend to have better return policies than clothing-only stores. The return policy at Macy’s is one of the better ones. However, the most generous policy is at Nordstrom, which doesn’t place a time limit on returns and doesn’t require a receipt for returns.

1. Nordstrom

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

2. Bloomingdale’s

Days to return for a full refund: 365

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

3. L.L. Bean

Days to return for a full refund: 365, except for defective items, which will be considered for returns beyond a year

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. Macy’s

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: Depends on item

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic (one company) rank No. 4 for return policies among department ... — Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic (one company) rank No. 4 for return policies among department and clothing stories, a category where return policies can vary widely. (rblfmr/Shutterstock.com)

5. Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic

Days to return for a full refund: 45

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 15, 2020, for items purchased between Nov. 1, 2019, and Dec. 24, 2019, or 45 days after purchase

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

6. Neiman Marcus

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for items purchased Nov. 1, 2019, through Dec. 25, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes, within 15 days

7. J.C. Penney

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

Kohl's ranked No. 8 among return policies for clothing and department stores in the 2019 GOBank ... — Kohl's ranked No. 8 among return policies for clothing and department stores in the 2019 GOBankingRates.com survey on return policies for the nation's major retailers. (David Tonelson/Shutterstock.com)

8. Kohl’s

Days to return for a full refund: 180, except for premium electronics

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for items purchased between Nov. 1, 2019, and Dec. 25, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

9. Zara

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

10. Victoria’s Secret

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

11. Abercrombie & Fitch

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: 60

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

12. Anthropologie

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only as an exchange

Free shipping for online returns: No

13. Express

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

14. Lane Bryant

Days to return for a full refund: 45

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

15. Burlington

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

16. Marshalls

Days to return for a full refund: 30, except for online purchases, which get 40 days

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 25, 2020, for purchases made between Oct. 13, 2019, and Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

17. TJ Maxx

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 25, 2020, for purchases made between Oct. 13, 2019, and Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

H&M ranks No. 18 among clothing stores. (Sue Hwang/GOBankingRates)

18. H&M

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for purchases made between Nov. 19, 2019, and Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for an in-store exchange

Free shipping for online returns: No

19. Dillard’s

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

20. Dollar General

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

21. Forever 21

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

22. Ross Stores

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit and you must show ID

Free shipping for online returns: N/A

23. Saks Fifth Avenue

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

Since Dollar Tree does not offer refunds, it ranks last in its category. (JHVEPhoto/Shuttersto ... — Since Dollar Tree does not offer refunds, it ranks last in its category. (JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com)

24. Dollar Tree

Days to return for a full refund: Does not offer refunds

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: N/A

Electronics and same stores

Video games and electronics are among the most popular items on holiday wish lists this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Unfortunately, electronics and game stores have some of the worst return policies. In fact, Apple has the shortest return policy of any retailer on this list — only 14 days.

1. Newegg

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No, plus a restocking fee

Apple offers a 14-day full return policy, ranking it NO. 2 among electronics stores. (Sean Pavo ... — Apple offers a 14-day full return policy, ranking it NO. 2 among electronics stores. (Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com)

2. Apple

Days to return for a full refund: 14

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

3. GameStop

Days to return for a full refund: 30, except for pre-owned items, which get seven days

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

4. Best Buy

Days to return for a full refund: 15

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 14, 2020, for purchases made between Nov. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2019, except for cell phones and major appliances

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

Health and beauty stores

Buying beauty products as holiday gifts can be tricky, unless you know exactly what the recipient wants. If you don’t, consider buying from retailers with policies that will make returns easy. Among health and beauty stores, MAC Cosmetics and Bath & Body Works have the best return policies. The final two stores tied for the least generous policies.

1. MAC Cosmetics

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

Bath $ Body Works ranks No. 2. for return policies among health & beauty stores. It has no time ... — Bath $ Body Works ranks No. 2. for return policies among health & beauty stores. It has no time limit for a full refund. (Sharkshock/Shutterstock.com)

2. Bath & Body Works

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Ulta

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. Morphe

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but for only store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

5. Sephora

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

Home goods and furniture stores

About one-fourth of consumers surveyed by the National Retail Federation said home decor was on their holiday wish list. So, if you have friends or family who want to spruce up their homes, you’ll have to consider return options from home goods and furniture stores.

Most offer only 30 days to return items, and several don’t allow returns without a receipt. Only one retailer offers free shipping on returns. Additionally, there are two ties because the retailers have similar policies.

1. Bed Bath & Beyond

Days to return for a full refund: 180

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit and some form of proof of purchase is required

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

With 365 days for a customer to make a return, Ikea ranks No. 2 for home goods and furniture st ... — With 365 days for a customer to make a return, Ikea ranks No. 2 for home goods and furniture stores. (Dmitry Sedakov/Shutterstock.com)

2. Ikea

Days to return for a full refund: 365

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Wayfair

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. The Container Store

Days to return for a full refund: 120

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

5. Pier 1 Imports

Days to return for a full refund: 45

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

6. HomeGoods

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

7. Crate & Barrel

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

8. Pottery Barn

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

9. Williams-Sonoma

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

Home improvement stores

Believe it or not, 17% of consumers have home improvement items on their holiday wish lists, according to the National Retail Federation. Fortunately for DIYers, the two biggest home improvement stores — Home Depot and Lowe’s — offer relatively generous return policies and tied for first. But be careful: One only offers store credit for returns without a receipt, and the other doesn’t offer free shipping on returns.

1. Lowe’s

Days to return for a full refund: 90, except for major appliances, outdoor power equipment, liquid paint and highway trailers.

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

2. The Home Depot

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Sherwin-Williams

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. Menards

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but you must print a receipt for check or credit card purchases using the Return Receipt Kiosk in stores

Free shipping for online returns: No

5. Ace Hardware

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

Office, school and art supply stores

“I want a stapler for Christmas,” said no one ever. But if you have a friend or family member who needs office supplies or kids who love arts and crafts, the stores that sell these items have consumer-friendly return policies. The best, by far, is at Staples — which allows returns at any time for a full refund or store credit if you don’t have a receipt.

1. Staples

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit, except for electronics and furniture, which get 14 days

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 11, 2020, for any electronic or furniture products purchased between Nov. 17, 2019, and Dec. 24, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

2. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Michaels

Days to return for a full refund: 180

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

4. Hobby Lobby

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

Online retailers

Holiday shopping can be a breeze if you do it all online from the comfort of your home. But there’s a drawback to shopping at a major online-only retailer such as Amazon: Your gift recipients won’t have much time to return items if they don’t like them. The return policy at Amazon gives customers only 30 days to return items for a refund. However, Amazon does have one of the best store credit cards that you might want to consider if you frequently shop on the site.

1. Jet

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

2. Amazon

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: Jan. 31, 2020, for items purchased between Nov. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2019

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Overstock

Days to return for a full refund: 30

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

Pet stores

Don’t forget Fido or Fluffy during your holiday shopping. You’ll likely find what you need for your animal friends at Petco and PetSmart. But do these two popular pet stores have the return policies you need, too? Turns out, their return policies are almost identical.

1. PetSmart

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

2. Petco

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

Shoe stores

Shoes can be a tricky holiday gift to buy. Even if you know the recipient’s shoe size, there’s no guarantee that the fit will be right. Fortunately, online shoe retailer Zappos provides free shipping and ample time to make returns for a refund — 365 days. However, other retailers aren’t quite so generous.

1. Zappos

Days to return for a full refund: 365

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

2. DSW

Days to return for a full refund: 60, or for store credit thereafter

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. Foot Locker

Days to return for a full refund: 45

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No

Free shipping for online returns: No

Sporting goods and recreational stores

If you’re shopping for sports fans or outdoor enthusiasts, one retailer stands out for its return policy: Big 5 Sporting Goods. You can return purchases for a full refund at any time if you have a receipt and for store credit without a receipt. The one drawback is that it doesn’t offer free shipping for returns.

1. Big 5 Sporting Goods

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

2. Dick’s Sporting Goods

Days to return for a full refund: 60

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit and you must show ID

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

3. Recreational Equipment Inc.

Days to return for a full refund: 365, except for outdoor electronics, which get 90 days

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: No, unless you’re a REI member

Free shipping for online returns: No

4. Cabela’s/Bass Pro

Days to return for a full refund: 90

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes, but only for store credit

Free shipping for online returns: No

Wholesale and warehouse stores

You might not only be stocking up on gifts at a warehouse store but also on food and other things for your holiday gatherings. In addition to low prices, these stores make it easy to return items if you’re not satisfied with them. Of these retailers, Costco offers the most generous return policy.

1. Costco

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit, except for electronics, which get 90 days

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: Yes

2. Sam’s Club

Days to return for a full refund: No time limit, except for contact lenses, which get 30 days

Extension for holiday returns: N/A

Returns accepted without a receipt: Yes

Free shipping for online returns: No

3. BJs Wholesale Club

Days to return for a full refund: 365, except for major appliances (30 days after delivery) and electronics (90 days)