Do you hate this sweater? Here's what to do with unwanted Christmas gifts
Did you get any missed presents this Christmas? Consumers waste millions of pounds on unwanted gifts each year, meaning many of us will be stuck with redundant gifts once the festive season is over.
According to a study published this week by the consumer organization Which?, one in four people (24%) received an unwanted or inappropriate gift for Christmas 2021.
Meanwhile, a separate study by personal finance comparison site Finder said £1.2 billion was wasted on unwanted Christmas presents every year.
However , you don't have to let them collect dust or contribute to the landfill by throwing away recommended gift waste. Other options are available such as returning, donating or selling your unloved items.
Return itYou may be able to return the item to the store where your friend or relative bought it from, either for a refund, exchange or store credit.
The process will be easier if you have a gift receipt , allowing you to swap it out for something more suitable or get store credit to buy something at a later date.
However, if you don't have a receipt, you may have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your loved one in order to obtain proof of purchase. Most stores will only allow you to exchange or refund the item with a receipt.
Some retailers may accept returns without a receipt during the Christmas period and new year, but it depends on each store's policy. It might be worth taking a chance if you can't cope with the awkward exchange.
Many stores are extending their return deadline to this time of year. year, so hopefully you shouldn't run out of time to pick it up.
Lisa Webb, Consumer Law Expert at Which?, says: " Many retailers are extending their return policy from October, giving customers until January to request a refund or exchange in case a gift goes flat.”
John Lewis is among the big names who have extended their returns policy over the Christmas period. He said any items purchased between September 27 and December 24 can be returned until January 28 if they are unwanted or unsuitable.
Marks & Spencer said any purchases made online or in-store between October 13 and December 24 can be returned until January 28. For purchases made on or after December 25, the normal return policy applies.
Amazon accepts returns for most items purchased between November 1 and November 31 ...
Did you get any missed presents this Christmas? Consumers waste millions of pounds on unwanted gifts each year, meaning many of us will be stuck with redundant gifts once the festive season is over.
According to a study published this week by the consumer organization Which?, one in four people (24%) received an unwanted or inappropriate gift for Christmas 2021.
Meanwhile, a separate study by personal finance comparison site Finder said £1.2 billion was wasted on unwanted Christmas presents every year.
However , you don't have to let them collect dust or contribute to the landfill by throwing away recommended gift waste. Other options are available such as returning, donating or selling your unloved items.
Return itYou may be able to return the item to the store where your friend or relative bought it from, either for a refund, exchange or store credit.
The process will be easier if you have a gift receipt , allowing you to swap it out for something more suitable or get store credit to buy something at a later date.
However, if you don't have a receipt, you may have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your loved one in order to obtain proof of purchase. Most stores will only allow you to exchange or refund the item with a receipt.
Some retailers may accept returns without a receipt during the Christmas period and new year, but it depends on each store's policy. It might be worth taking a chance if you can't cope with the awkward exchange.
Many stores are extending their return deadline to this time of year. year, so hopefully you shouldn't run out of time to pick it up.
Lisa Webb, Consumer Law Expert at Which?, says: " Many retailers are extending their return policy from October, giving customers until January to request a refund or exchange in case a gift goes flat.”
John Lewis is among the big names who have extended their returns policy over the Christmas period. He said any items purchased between September 27 and December 24 can be returned until January 28 if they are unwanted or unsuitable.
Marks & Spencer said any purchases made online or in-store between October 13 and December 24 can be returned until January 28. For purchases made on or after December 25, the normal return policy applies.
Amazon accepts returns for most items purchased between November 1 and November 31 ...
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