Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › Returning an Unwanted Gift or Christmas Present
Returning an Unwanted Gift or Christmas Present
There is no legal right to return a present just because you do not want it: it depends on the shop's returns policy. A gift receipt usually lets you return it yourself. If the present is faulty, the shop only has to deal with the person who bought it, so you may need to ask them to return it for you.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Returning Gifts
Trading Standards
You have no legal right to return goods bought in a shop just because you changed your mind, but many shops have their own returns policy. With a gift receipt, the person who received the gift can usually return it themselves. For a faulty product, the shop only has to accept the return from the person who bought it, so you may need to ask the buyer to return it on your behalf. Online orders can usually be cancelled up to 14 days from delivery; the buyer may have to pay the return cost. source
Shop Returns Policies
Check the Policy
Check the shop's returns policy on the receipt, its website or by asking the branch. Some sellers give longer than the 14-day online minimum. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysCancel an online orderFrom delivery, for the buyer
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the shop's returns policy and any gift receipt.
Step 2 of 5
Return it before the policy deadline runs out.
Step 3 of 5
Keep the item unused and in its packaging.
Step 4 of 5
If faulty, ask the buyer to return it or claim with their proof.
Step 5 of 5
Ask about an exchange if a refund is not offered.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Shop
Ask about its returns policy.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice; can pass cases to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Many shops extend return periods over Christmas. Check the dates on the receipt or website.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/3677/many-happy-returns Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/changing-your-mind-about-something-youve-bought Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue Checked 8 October 2026