The great holiday return grace period has begun.
Holiday shoppers are in luck, as the extended holiday return window has begun this week. That means major retailers like Apple, Target, Walmart and others will give customers more time to return gifts — beyond the usual 30 days.
Many extended return windows start on November 1, and other large retailers start in October.
The Washington Post has put together a list of popular retailers that offer longer refund terms, just in case you need to throw away that ugly sweater Aunt Susie bought you.
Walmart
Walmart shoppers who purchased gifts between October 1 and December 31, 2026 have until January 31, 2027 to return most items. These unwanted gifts include items purchased in stores or online.
But check the fine print — the retail giant says the extended return window does not include online purchases from Walmart Marketplace sellers. Items sold and shipped by mall sellers must be returned within 30 days.
The Arkansas-based company said certain items, such as appliances, certain technology products and fine jewelry, may not be eligible for the longer return period.
Target
Bullseye shoppers can purchase most items from November 1 to December 24, with a deadline of January 24, 2027. However, the refund date for Apple products is earlier, January 8, 2027.
Some items have even longer refund periods, as Target’s own-brand return window can last up to a year. These include popular brands such as Cat and Jack and Wondershop.
best buy
The popular electronics retailer will also be giving shoppers plenty of extra time to return any unwanted gifts. Customers who purchased between October 30 and December 31 will have until January 15, 2027 to receive a refund.
However, Best Buy Plus and Total members will have a longer period of time (until January 31, 2027) to receive cash back on returns.
Be sure to check the website before heading to the store as not all items are eligible for refunds. Best Buy will not take back items purchased through third-party contracts, such as phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, AppleCare+ plans, etc.
Amazon
The e-commerce giant has eliminated return dates for the 2026 holiday season for most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2026. Eligible items may be returned until January 31, 2027.
The online retailer said Apple-branded products have a smaller return window, as products purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2026 can only be returned before January 15, 2027.
Returning items is fairly simple, as the company has a few free return locations, including Kohl’s and Whole Foods stores.
macy’s department store
The once-large retailer has also extended what it describes online as its “return acceptance window.” This year, most items purchased at Macy’s or macys.com between October 5 and December 31, 2026 will be accepted through January 31, 2027.
Please note that shoppers will have to pay shipping and delivery fees as these fees are non-refundable. In addition, items purchased in stores must be returned to designated locations, while items purchased online can be returned by mail or in stores.
The items sold by Dyson and Mac Duggal are exclude Items are within the extended holiday return period and are still eligible for returns within 30 days of purchase.
TJ Max
Maxxinistas have until January 25, 2027 to return any items purchased in store or online between October 4 and December 24, 2026. The discount retailer said its normal return policy will apply to all purchases starting on December 26.
TJ Maxx says don’t even think about returning gifts for cash back, you have to have a receipt to get store credit back.
Marshall
TJ Maxx sister stores have a nearly identical extended holiday return policy, stating that any items purchased between October 4 and December 24, 2026 can be returned until January 25, 2027.
Likewise, any gift returns with a receipt will receive store credit.
However, items purchased from Marshalls must be returned at a Marshalls location. Although its parent company owns TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Sierra and HomeSense, shoppers can’t return products to any of its sister brands.
JCPenney
The 124-year-old retailer is also giving shoppers peace of mind as holiday purchases can be returned until January 31, 2027. Items purchased in store or online on or after October 1st are eligible for returns or exchanges.
Shoppers must have the original receipt or gift receipt as refunds will be issued to the original method of payment or JCPenney gift card. If you’ve made a return but forgot about that pesky receipt, you may be eligible for a JCPenney merchandise return coupon — which, if you have ID, gets you the lowest price on the item in the past 45 days.
Nordstrom Shelves
Eligible Racks purchased between October 5 and December 24, 2026 can be returned until January 18, 2027, or 40 days after purchase, whichever is later. For online purchases, items can be returned by mail or returned to a Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom store.
For store-bought items, eligible items can be returned to Nordstrom Rack or a Nordstrom store. Since the company is known for its excellent customer service, if you miss the return deadline, it may still leave it alone.
The Krazy Koupon Lady – a site known for its deals, tips and tricks – says it may give you 50% of the original sale.
old navy
The popular retailer is giving shoppers a buying window from October 15 to December 24, with an end date of January 15, 2026.
Just like Marshalls, shoppers must return items at Old Navy because sister stores Gap or Banana Republic won’t accept Old Navy clothes.