Gift Returns

I hope that everyone had safe and Happy Holidays! It was a lovely time for me but myself like many of you most likely received a gift that was...not what you expected. This occurs quite often around the Holidays; perhaps your mother thinks you are perpetually 5 years old, or a great aunt has it in her head that you need a cake platter every year, or perhaps your husband thinks that you are 2 sizes smaller then you actually are. Regardless of the reason or the gift somethings needs to be returned. I want to give you some time saving tips to make those Holiday Returns a little easier.

Tip #1: Make a detailed list of everything that needs to be returned and what store it is from. Some things are not going to be returnable but that's OK, they can be white elephant gifts for next year.

Tip #2: Find as many gift receipts as you can. If you are embarrassed you can always tell the gift giver that "its the wrong size" and explain that you are simply going to exchange it. (Yes, it is a little white lie, but it is worth getting rid of the "hoodie vest" you got.)

Tip #3: Don't just settle on the first thing that is "OK" in the store. Wait if you need to and get a gift card. After Christmas the stores are all cleared out of things and if you can't find something you love wait a week or two for the store to restock.

Tip #4: Find the return lines right a way. Most major retailers expect returns and have a special line just for returns. Find the line and be patient with the associates. Returns can be tricky for some retailers so be patient.

Tip #5: Be considerate when giving gifts yourself, always give the receiver a gift receipt to make their life easy and don't be offended if it is not their "cup of tea".