12 stores with great return policies

When Christmas is over, many gift recipients are saddled with the frustrating post-holiday task of dealing with a retailer's cumbersome return policy. No matter how much thought or sentiment goes into gifting, we're sometimes on the receiving end of an item we're thankful for but, for one reason or another, we'd like to return or exchange gifts for something else.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to do so when many stores don't offer a large time window or put restrictions in place that dictate which merchandise is available for return and the form of repayment you can receive.

Don't let an unwanted gift collect dust on your shelf in 2015 just because you couldn't return it. We examined the some of the most popular retailers across the country, and the following dozen businesses offer great return policies to help you save money (and hopefully get your hands on the gift you really want).

Costco

Members of this colossal warehouse store get plenty of perks on their purchases up front, but also on the returns end. You can find almost anything at Costco, and most items purchased have no time limit to return them, with your choice of a refund via hard cash or through a check. This prevents gift receipts from limiting the item's replacement options year-round.

One of the only exceptions is for Costco's electronics return policy: Costco's return policy generally enforces a 90-day period for televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, touch screen tablets, MP3 players and cell phones.

No receipt? No problem, returns can be conducted with just the membership number used to buy the gift at some locations.

Kohl's

Kohl's keeps its customers loyal with constant opportunities to find discounts through rotating sales, online promo codes and Kohl's Cash. Kohl's return policy is top notch, too. Take up to a full year from an item's original date of purchase to return it for a cash refund. Wait longer, or lose your receipt, and it turns into your choice of store credit or refund check in the mail.

Kohl's has some rules in place regarding receipts: If you have the original, you qualify for a full refund or even exchange; gift receipts qualify for a merchandise credit.

L.L. Bean

There's not much to say in the way of restrictions or exceptions for L.L. Bean's return policy; in fact, it likens its customer guarantee to the promise that comes with a handshake. According to the outdoor retailer's website, "If your purchase isn't completely satisfactory, we're happy to accept your exchange or return at any time."

No matter if it's a cable-knit sweater or a pair of weather-resistant duck boots you've changed your mind on, L.L. Bean imposes no time limits on when you can return an item, regardless of its condition. There's just one exception: Without a receipt you won't be eligible for a cash refund, but will be issued a gift card worth the item's current selling price.

Lowe's

Lowe's return policy has a default window of 90 days to decide on a cash refund or direct exchange. However, you only have 30 days to return major appliances, like large refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, range hoods, outdoor power equipment and trailers.

If your receipt is lost or misplaced, Lowe's compensates refunds better than most stores on this list since your receipt can be retrieved using the credit card, checking account number or MyLowe's card used to make the purchase, or through your phone number. Store credit is given in place of cash for returns without a valid receipt.

Macy's

Macy's return policy also has no time limit restrictions to return a gift purchase; however, the retailer is a bit more stringent with its receipt policy. Shoppers who have a gift receipt will be issued credit for the full purchase amount through a Macy's gift card; those without a receipt will still receive a gift card but only worth the item's lowest selling price in the last 180 days. Online orders can also be returned in store.

Nordstrom

Simply put, the Nordstrom return policy comes closest to having zero restrictions and no time limitations to bring in a gift for refund. As long as an item doesn't show any excessive signs of wear and tear, and Nordstrom still carries the product in store or online, you'll get a full refund -- just remember to bring identification.

Nordstrom also doesn't have a formal return policy in place regarding receipts, so if you don't have the original purchase or gift receipt, the company normally deals with these transactions on a case-by-case basis.

REI

With some merchandise, like outdoor gear, there's no way to really know if it holds up to your needs until you use it. That's why REI has a 100 percent guarantee and open returns policy so you're free to return any item that's technically been used, tags removed and all.

Don't wait through three winters before deciding, however; the REI return policy deadline is one year after purchase and 30 days for outlet store items. To get a full refund you'll need proof of purchase, whether in the form of a store or gift receipt, shipping invoice or store membership number.

Target

Target hits the bull's-eye with its no-frills return policy: Any unopened item in its original condition can be returned within 90 days, with certain exceptions (like electronics and entertainment, which won't be accepted for returns or exchanges after 30 days). For electronics and entertainment products purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, the 30-day refund period begins on Dec. 26.

If you plan to use Target's return policy without a receipt, you will need to show a valid, government-issued photo ID; and for gift receipts, you'll be reimbursed with a Target gift card. Those who have a Target REDcard receive an extended returns period of 30 additional days.

The Home Depot

Didn't receive the right tools needed for your next home improvement project? If they were bought at The Home Depot, bring them back within the retailer's general return time of 90 days (unless your receipt notes otherwise). The Home Depot return policy for expired returns and those lacking a receipt won't receive cash back, but you'll still be able to receive store credit at the returned item's lowest selling price.

Gift givers and receivers should note that any special order returns or cancellations are subject to a 15 percent restocking fee and must be returned to the same store location where they were purchased.

Toys "R" Us

Gifts purchased at Toys "R" Us can easily be returned or exchanged at any retail location within 90 days of purchase -- either in store or online. The Babies"R"Us return policy is the same for its merchandise. Computer hardware is eligible for returns up to 15 days after purchase.

According to the store's website, items must be returned in new or like-new condition, with all original packaging and instructions intact.

Walmart

You can bring back an item for return within 90 days at any Walmart location; the company's electronic return policy differs -- those items have a return expiration of 15 to 30 days. During the holidays, the return period start date for these items is Dec. 26, and not the day of purchase.

Returns must be in their original packaging, but if you're missing your receipt, customers have the option of getting a cash refund for purchases that cost less than $25; a gift card for purchases greater than $25; or an even exchange on all items without proof of purchase. Walmart's return policy for no receipt allows you to make three no-receipt returns within a 45 day period.

Zappos

If there's one thing more impressive than Zappos' shoe selection, it's that its shipping is free and lightning fast. The Zappos return policy isn't too shabby, either. If you've received the wrong size, or you're unhappy with the color or style, Zappos will refund the full price up to one year from purchase, just as long as the shoes haven't been worn and are in their original packaging. It will also cover the shipping costs.