Hey kids, Holiday Cat here. I’m taking a break from looking out the window and purring with my eyes shut as people fall down in the snow to start getting my holiday gift return strategy together. Yes, it seems that some people forgot that I hate catnip and love sardines. But before I rush out, I like to know everyone’s return policies to avoid any embarrassing situations at the cash register that might result in my back arched and hair standing on end.

Retailer names are linked to their return policy pages and followed by a summary of their holiday return policy. Some have additional notes on things to watch out for.

Amazon: Anything bought between Nov 1 and Dec 31 2010 can be returned until Jan 31, 2011.

Apple: You have until Jan 8 to return anything bought between Oct 30 and Dec 25.
Note: Receipt required and 10% restock fee applies. Anything bought outside the holiday purchase time is subject to the standard 14 day limit.

Barnes & Noble: Anything bought between Nov 15 and Dec 31 will be accepted until Jan 31.

Best Buy: Deadline of Jan 31 for most items bought after Nov 1. Computers have a 14-day limit.
Note: For stuff bought after Dec 18, Best Buy is waiving its standard restocking fee.

Dell: 21 days.
Note: Before returning something purchased online from them, contact customer service for a return authorization first, or you won’t get any credit or your item back.

The Gap: Purchases made between Nov 1 and Dec 31 can be returned up until Jan 31 with an original or gift receipt.

HP: 21 days.
Note: Before returning something purchased online from them, contact customer service for a return authorization first, or you won’t get any credit or your item back.

JC Penney: 90 days with original receipts. Without a receipt you only get a store gift card.
Note: If you only have a gift receipt you can only get in-store credit.

Kmart: 90 days on most items, except for gas-powered equipment and jewelry.
Note: If you bought online and the item is not broken or defective, you have to pay return shipping.

Kohl’s: No deadline if you have a receipt.
Note: If you don’t have a receipt, they can look up your purchase using your credit card.

Lowe’s: 90 days for most items with a receipt. Without a receipt, in-store credit only.
Note: Outdoor power equipment has to be returned within 30 days.

Macy’s: No deadline with a receipt, except for jewelry, which has a 30 day limit.
Note: Macy’s puts a special sticker on many items so you may not need a receipt.

Restoration Hardware: 90 days, receipt required for full refund.
Note: Furniture returned because it doesn’t fit through doorways is only good for in-store credit.

Sears: You have 120 days on most things bought between 11/14 and 12/11.
Note: Jewelry has a 90 day limit, electronics and beds have a 60 day limit, and there’s a 15% restock fee on electronics if you don’t have everything that was in the box.

Target: You have 90 days to make a return.
Note: You can make exchanges without a receipt, as long as you don’t do this for over $70 worth of stuff in the past year year. A 15% restocking fee gets levied on camcorders, digital cameras and portable electronics.

Toys R Us: 90 days on just about everything.
Note: 45-day limit on videogames, DVD, electronics and other similar items, and they must be unopened and sealed.

Walmart: 90 days on most everything.
Note: Gadgets and gizmos bought between Nov 15 and Dec 25 have to be returned by Jan 10. Household and lawn tools bought during this period can be returned up until Jan 25.

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