UsersRated⏰ Key Dates
- • Most extensions cover items bought Oct–Dec
- • Extended return deadlines are typically late January
- • Electronics often have shorter windows even during holidays
- • Always keep your gift receipt
Amazon
Items shipped Oct 1 – Dec 31 returnable until Jan 31
Extension Starts
October 1
Return Deadline
January 31
Standard Window
30 days
Some third-party sellers may not participate. Check individual listing.
Full return policy →Apple
Items bought Nov 15 – Dec 25 returnable until Jan 8
Extension Starts
November 15
Return Deadline
January 8
Standard Window
14 days
Still a tight window. Gift recipients get the extended return date.
Full return policy →Best Buy
Items bought Oct 27 – Jan 13 returnable until Jan 27
Extension Starts
October 27
Return Deadline
January 27
Standard Window
15 days
Applies to all return window categories. My Best Buy members get extra time.
Full return policy →IKEA
Items bought Nov 14 – Dec 25 returnable until Jan 30
Extension Starts
November 14
Return Deadline
January 30
Standard Window
365 days
Standard 365-day policy for unopened items already very generous.
Full return policy →Kohl's
Items bought Nov 1 – Dec 25 returnable through Jan 31
Extension Starts
November 1
Return Deadline
January 31
Standard Window
90 days
Kohl's standard 180-day policy already covers most holiday purchases.
Full return policy →Macy's
Items bought Oct 5 – Dec 31 returnable until Jan 31
Extension Starts
October 5
Return Deadline
January 31
Standard Window
30 days
Most items. Prestige beauty and tech may have shorter windows.
Full return policy →Nike
Items bought Nov 1 – Dec 25 returnable until Jan 25
Extension Starts
November 1
Return Deadline
January 25
Standard Window
60 days
Nike Members may get additional flexibility.
Full return policy →Sephora
Items bought Nov 1 – Dec 31 returnable until Jan 31
Extension Starts
November 1
Return Deadline
January 31
Standard Window
30 days
Opened products included. Beauty Insider status doesn't affect holiday returns.
Full return policy →Target
Items bought Oct 6 – Dec 25 returnable until Jan 24
Extension Starts
October 6
Return Deadline
January 24
Standard Window
90 days
Target-owned brands get until January 24 too. Electronics get extra 30 days.
Full return policy →Walmart
Items bought Nov 1 – Dec 25 returnable until Jan 31
Extension Starts
November 1
Return Deadline
January 31
Standard Window
90 days
Electronics still limited to 30 days from purchase
Full return policy →Bath & Body Works
No formal holiday extension
100% satisfaction guarantee is effectively unlimited.
Full return policy →Costco
No special holiday extension needed
Costco already has an unlimited return window for most items. Electronics are 90 days year-round.
Full return policy →Home Depot
No formal holiday extension
90-day standard policy covers most holiday purchases made in October or later.
Full return policy →Lowe's
No formal holiday extension
90-day standard policy. Items bought Nov 1 are returnable until late January.
Full return policy →Nordstrom
No formal holiday extension — already flexible year-round
Nordstrom handles returns case-by-case. Holiday gifts are treated generously.
Full return policy →REI
No special holiday extension needed
REI's 365-day return policy covers all holiday purchases.
Full return policy →Holiday Return Tips
- 1. Keep all receipts and gift receipts. Digital receipts in your email count.
- 2. Don't open it until you're sure. Opened items often have shorter windows or restocking fees.
- 3. Buy with a credit card. Many cards offer extended return protection beyond the store's policy.
- 4. Know the electronics exception. TVs, laptops, and cameras usually have shorter windows even during holidays.
- 5. Return sooner rather than later. Don't wait until the last day — stores get busy in January.