Got An Unwanted Christmas Gift? Here's What Your Retail Rights Allow

Monday, 26 December 2022 06:00

By (C) Sky News: Megan Baynes, cost of living reporter

Whether it's a gift you hate, or you have bought something that simply doesn't work, it can be hard to know what your return rights are over Christmas.

If the gift is faulty, under the Consumer Rights Act you have 30 days to return it and receive a full refund.

If a fault appears within the first six months, you have to give the retailer a chance to replace it or organise a repair. If that is unsuccessful, you are entitled to a refund.

However, this only applies to the person who bought the item, so if someone bought it for you, they will need to arrange the return.

For goods bought online, you have the legal right of 14 days in which to cancel the order after receiving it.

You then also have a further 14 days to send items back to get a full refund, and that can be for any reason.

Do you need to have a receipt?

Many stores operate a goodwill return policy over Christmas, so if an item still has its tags or is in its original packaging, you might be able to return it without a receipt for store credit.

This is generally up to the store though, so don’t assume you’ll be able to return it.

Without a receipt, you may also be faced with only getting back the last sale price of the item. So if someone buys you a £50 jumper, which goes in the Boxing Day sale and is reduced to half price, without a receipt you may only get £25 in store credit.

If you are purchasing for someone, it’s always worth including a gift receipt - this means they’ll get back the full value of what you paid if they try and return it.

What you can’t return?

Personalised gifts, perishable items and some clothing - like underwear and swimwear - are not returnable.

Sky News

More from Lifestyle

Five Fantasy Worlds We’d Love To Explore In Real Life

For centuries, humanity has dreamed of stepping beyond the veil of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Fantasy worlds, born from the minds of imaginative storytellers, offer tantalizing glimpses of what could be. From magical kingdoms to futuristic utopias, these fictional realms inspire awe, adventure, and wonder. Here are five fantasy worlds that we’d give anything to explore in real life:
Five Amazing Global Meals To Cure The January Blues

Whether or not you believe in Blue Monday and the January blues this week, there’s no denying that a comforting meal can elevate your mood. Food has the power to transport you across the globe, even if you're sitting at your kitchen table. Here are five amazing dishes from around the world to brighten your week and add some flavour to your day:
Five Incredible Spas Around the World

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time out for self-care is more important than ever. Spas offer a sanctuary of tranquillity, combining luxurious treatments with stunning settings to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Here are five incredible spas around the world that redefine relaxation and elevate wellness to an art form:
Five Fab Wellbeing UK Destinations Ideal in January

January can be a challenging month. The festive buzz has faded, and the cold, dark days can feel endless. But it’s also the perfect time to prioritise your wellbeing. Why not embrace the new year with a rejuvenating escape? Here are five fabulous UK destinations ideal for a January wellness boost:
Five Weird Wellbeing Foods Around The World

January might be known as the month of healthier living, but you'd have to be quite brave to give some of these wellbeing delicacies a go!