Gift return guide: Retailers with best and worst policies Some stores will let you return anything, even without a receipt. Others have time limits and restocking fees. Samantha B. Gordon, Consumer Reports Published: Tags: File photo If you believe it’s the thought that counts, then you won’t be offended if the recipient of a present you’ve given can’t use it for whatever reason. And if you’re given something that isn’t quite the right fit for you, you shouldn’t feel guilty about returning or exchanging it for something different. Some retailers have flexible return and exchange policies all year long, and others are a bit more strict. But many retailers often extend their return windows around the holidays, especially this year. With COVID-related shipping delays creating problems, most stores are offering more generous return guidelines for holiday purchases.