How to Return Gifts for a Kid's Birthday Party

Returning a child's gifts is sometimes necessary.

Returning gifts for your kid's birthday party is sometimes necessary if they already have the gift or they received duplicate gifts. The easiest way to return a gift is if a gift receipt was included. Even without a receipt, there is still hope in returning it. Depending on your relationship to the gift giver, you may be able to call them, explain the situation and ask where you can exchange thegift for another present your child can enjoy.

Instructions

1. Put the gift away the moment that you realize that you need to return it. You do not want your child to open it up accidentally and make it less likely that it will be returnable.

2. Contact the store that the gift came from and ask for their return policy on gifts. Explain your situation and whether you do or do not have a receipt. Make sure that the store will take back the gift before you go. Some stores will offer full refunds, while others may only offer equal store credit. Also, check whether there is a restocking fee for your gift, which is usually common for electronics and furniture. If you were given electronics make sure that you are aware of the time frame you have to return it, since most electronics have shorter windows of return.

3. Return the gift. Again, make sure that it is still wrapped in plastic and has not been opened, as this will reduce the likelihood of getting a refund or exchange.

4. Exchange the gift. Let your child pick another present out for themselves that is a similar price to the gift that you exchanged. Another option is to hold onto the store credit and save it for later when you can buy something on sale. This is a good option if your child does not see anything he really wants at the store when you go to return the gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Write a thank you note to the gift giver for the original gift with your child, and make sure that you let them know your appreciation for their gesture.

• Use your judgment on whether to contact the gift giver to find out the store. If the gift is from a close friend or a family member it is more acceptable to ask them than the mom of your child's friend that you do not know very well. Take care not to seem ungrateful, since they took the time to buy a present. Be aware of the long term effect that returner's fraud has on stores. Providing counterfeit receipts or returning clothes that were worn once with the tags still attached, eventually makes stores lose money and therefore results in higher prices and stricter return policies in the future.

References

• MSNBC: Didn't get the perfect gift? Return it!
• Esquire: The New Rules of Gift Return