Quick Cheat Sheet: Standard vs. Holiday Return Windows

Always bring: original packaging, all accessories, and proof of purchase (order email, receipt, or gift receipt). Gift returns typically refund to the original method or issue store credit.

Deep-Dive: Important Fine Print by Retailer

Amazon

• Standard: Most items returnable within 30 days of delivery; seller policies can differ for Marketplace orders.
• Holiday: Historically extended into January; watch Amazon’s official page for 2025’s exact dates.
• Pro tip: Start returns from your orders page to auto-generate labels and eligibility.
• Amazon Return Policy

Walmart

• Standard: Most items 90 days; free/easy returns in store, by mail, or curbside.
• Holiday 2025: Items purchased Oct 1–Dec 31, 2025 returnable until Jan 31, 2026. Marketplace sellers and certain categories excluded.
• Walmart Policy

Target

• Standard: Most new/unopened items 90 days; Target-owned brands: 1 year; Target Circle 360: +30 days.
• Holiday: Electronics & entertainment typically extend into late January, but Apple/Beats are usually shorter. Watch Target’s 2025 holiday press hub.
• Target Returns

Best Buy

• Standard: 15 days for most customers; My Best Buy Plus/Total members often get longer windows (e.g., 60 days on many items).
• Holiday: Historically accepts purchases made Nov–Dec through mid-January (e.g., Jan 14 last season). Confirm 2025 dates on the Holiday FAQ page.
• Exceptions: Holiday decor 15 days; activations/phones and large appliances follow stricter rules.
• Best Buy Return & Exchange Policy • Holiday FAQ

Costco

• Standard: Very generous overall; electronics/appliances: 90 days from receipt.
• Holiday: No special extension posted; standard policy applies.
• Costco Policy • Costco.com Returns

Home Depot

• Standard: Most merchandise 90 days with proof of purchase.
• Holiday: Typically no special extension; expect standard timelines.
• Home Depot Policy

Lowe’s

• Standard: Most items 90 days; trees/shrubs/perennials 1 year; Craftsman OPE 90 days.
• Holiday: Seasonal items must be returned on/before the day of the holiday. After the holiday, these are final sale.
• Lowe’s Returns

Apple

• Standard: 14 days (online/retail); must include all accessories and packaging.
• Holiday: Historically extends to early January for Nov–Dec purchases; watch Apple’s 2025 holiday page.
• Apple Returns & Refunds

GameStop

• Standard: New items 15 days; pre-owned 7 days; PCs/PC parts/TVs/monitors 7 days; unopened for many categories.
• Holiday: Historically extends into January—verify each season.
• GameStop Return Policy

Sephora

• Standard: Refund to original payment within 30 days (new/gently used, proof required).
• Holiday: Extensions vary year to year; confirm dates when announced.
• Sephora Returns

Ulta

• Standard: 30 days for full refund; 31–60 days typically merchandise credit (policy tightened late 2024; proof required).
• Holiday: Check for seasonal updates each year.
• Ulta Guest Services

REI

• Standard: Members up to 1 year on most items (electronics 90 days); non-members 90 days. REI may restrict returns for abuse.
• Holiday: No special extension—standard policy applies.
• REI Returns

DICK’S Sporting Goods

• Standard: Generally 90 days (some outlets or locations 30 days). Proof of purchase recommended.
• Holiday: Check for seasonal update each year.
• DICK’S Returns

B&H Photo

• Standard: 30 days from delivery (conditions/exclusions apply, especially for used or opened items).
• Holiday: No blanket extension posted—standard windows apply.
• B&H Return Policy

Macy’s

• Standard: Most items 30 days; certain categories differ; mail-in returns may incur a fee for non-members.
• Holiday: Historically Oct–Dec purchases returnable until end of January; check Macy’s seasonal policy for 2025 specifics.
• Macy’s Return Policy

Kohl’s

• Standard: Flexible “Hassle-Free” returns; category exceptions apply.
• Holiday 2025: Purchases Oct 5–Oct 31, 2025 eligible through Jan 31, 2026. Kohl’s often posts additional windows for Nov/Dec—watch for updates.
• Kohl’s FAQ (Returns)

Holiday Return Tips (Save Time, Avoid Fees)

1. Get gift receipts on every purchase. It allows the recipient to return for store credit without exposing your payment details.
2. Don’t open sealed items unless you’re sure. Open-box or used may be denied or receive partial credit only.
3. Keep manufacturer packaging & serials. Especially for electronics, appliances, and toys with unique IDs.
4. Start online for label eligibility. Retailers like Amazon & Walmart auto-approve many returns via your account.
5. Know category carve-outs. Phones, carriers, major appliances, seasonal decor, cosmetics, and luxury items often have narrower windows.
6. Watch the calendar language. Some policies start the clock on Dec 26 (Target electronics), others from purchase/delivery date.
7. Membership perks matter. Target Circle 360, Best Buy Plus/Total, and Costco membership can extend windows or simplify returns.
8. Document defects quickly. Photos/videos + unboxing date help if you need to prove a DOA item.

FAQ: Returns & Holiday Windows

When do retailers publish official holiday return dates?

Typically between mid-October and late November. We update this page as new fact sheets post.

Are Marketplace items covered by the same rules?

Not always. On Amazon and Walmart, Marketplace sellers set their own return rules (often aligned to site minimums). Always check the product page and your order details.

Do I need the original box?

For electronics and appliances, yes—missing accessories/packaging can reduce or void refunds.