32% receive unwanted Christmas gifts: Here’s how to get your money back

Britons are being made aware of their consumer rights if they want to return unwanted Christmas gifts.

Personal finance experts at price comparison site Tiger.co.uk have looked at the rules and regulations around returns ahead of the busy festive season.

With Brits hitting the shops to buy gifts for family and friends, there will inevitably be gifts to return in the New Year.

Whether they’re faulty items, the wrong size or a duplicate present, there are rules to follow to ensure the greatest chance of receiving a full refund or exchange.

A recent survey revealed almost a third of Britons (32%) have received an unwanted Christmas gift with over one in five (22%) returning it after the festivities.

And with the cost of living still biting, returning an unwanted item will free up cash, or allow the recipient to swap it for something else.

But there are rules to bear in mind if you have a gift to return, the most important one being that a retailer does not have to accept them.

Managing Director and savings expert at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, said: “There are always unwanted gifts at Christmas and the guidance for retailers is clear on what they do and don’t have to accept.

“The most interesting one if you’re the recipient, is that retailers only have to accept a return from the person who bought the item which makes it harder to get money back or an exchange on an unwanted gift.

“It’s also handy to have proof of purchase, but it can be tricky to ask a gift giver for the receipt so you can return the item.

“On the plus side, retailers do tend to change the rules around the festive season meaning there’s a longer period when they’ll accept returns.

“And of course now gift givers can ask for gift receipts if they’re not sure on an item – always a good option if buying clothes for someone else.

“If you find it difficult to exchange or return an unwanted item there are a few options. Try placing it on a selling site, donate to a charity or re-gift to someone who you know will love it.”

Tiger.co.uk’s tips for returning unwanted items.

When can you get a refund?

Retailers must offer a full refund if an item is faulty, not as described or does not do what it’s intended for. With many gift givers having picked up gifts during Black Friday or using pre-Christmas offers, it’s important to remember customers have the same rights if they buy an item at full price or reduced in a sale.

When can retailers refuse a refund?

A refund can be refused if a customer knew an item was faulty when they bought it or they damaged it trying to repair it. Interestingly, the law also states a customer does not have to be refunded if they no longer want an item unless they bought it unseen.

What about online purchases?

If you’ve bought an item online, customers have the right to cancel for a limited time even if the goods are not faulty. Customers can receive a full refund if they notify the seller within 14 days of receiving the item and have another 14 days to send it back.

What are my rights if the item is faulty?

If an item’s faulty, then the retailer has to repair or replace it.  The rule states this has to be within six months, however, check the guarantee from the retailer. Many offer a much longer guarantee for more costly items so keep proof of purchase.

Do I need a receipt to return an item?

It’s always handy to have proof of purchase and legally, a retailer is within their rights to ask to see it.

Can I return an unwanted gift?

If you’re returning a gift from someone else, then the retailer doesn’t have to accept them.

Tiger.co.uk helps customers compare and find savings on all sorts of personal finance products including loans, energy bills and car insurance.  

References:

https://www.gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds

SURVEY – Findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during November 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

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This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.