How to return them and get something you really want.
Oh man, you got a huge haul of unwanted junk this year. Thanks for the third Christmas sweater in a row, grandma. Unlucky for you, you weren't armed with any gift receipts or clues on how to return your pile of useless Christmas merriment -- and you wouldn't re-gift these items to your worst frenemy. All you have to know is a few tricks of the trade and you'll be rocking out to your new iPod -- or snapping pictures with your new camera -- in no time.
High-End Help Out
Some high-end department stores, like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, are able to look up a purchase just by using the person's name. They'll also have a list of how much the item cost when the person picked it up for you -- in case it's been drastically reduced since. Unfortunately, if the present was from a discount store but in a Nordstrom box, the guessing game that follows will making returning impossible.
Suck it Up (Some)
Some stores, like Target, will take back your unwanted merch but will charge you a small restocking fee (15% of the price of the item). But it's a small price to pay to rid yourself of that atrocious dinner set your Aunt Nancy swore you'd love.
Don't Miss the Cut-Off
Lucky you -- your gifter was wise enough to equip you with a gift receipt. Now you're probably thinking you have all the time in the world to return that monstrosity that is the new bedspread your dad bought you. Maybe not. Make sure you check out the return policy as soon as you know you'll be bringing that sucker back. Most stores do give you some holiday leeway, but while some let you return any time, some cut you off after 30 days. Even amazon.com follows that policy.
