You Can Return a Gift on Amazon *Without* the Sender Knowing About It
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As nice as it is to receive a gift in the mail from a loved one, the excitement can quickly fade if the well-intentioned gift comes in the wrong size or color — or it's something you don't think you'll ever use.
Luckily, if the package happens to be from Amazon, the process of returning it is incredibly straightforward. Even better: The gift-giver won't ever know you sent it back! So, after you've graciously thanked them for it (of course!), here's how to return a gift on Amazon quickly and discreetly.
How to Return a Gift on Amazon
To begin, locate the 17-digit order number on the item's gift receipt. You can find this number on the packing slip that should be in the box your gift was delivered in.
Next, sign into your Amazon account. If you don't have an Amazon account, you'll need to sign up for one to process the return.
Go to the Gift Returns page and type the order number into the search bar. Hit "Search" to proceed.
Select the items you wish to return and the reason you're returning them from the drop-down menu.
Choose your return method. Among the options, you can select whether you'd like to pack up the returned gift in a box and print a label for UPS pickup or drop-off, but you can also return the gift in person without a box or label by selecting the "Drop Off" option for Amazon Hub Locker, Kohl's, Whole Foods, or The UPS Store.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finalize the return.
That's it! You'll receive a gift credit to your account once Amazon processes the return (which could take up to 30 days) — and your gift sender will be none the wiser.
Can You Return a Gift on Amazon Without a Receipt?
Unfortunately, no. Amazon gift returns only work if you have the 17-digit order number associated with the product. If you don't have this number available, you won't be able to return the item... or you'll have to ask the sender to give it to you. Hopefully, they'll understand!
How Much Time Do You Have to Return a Gift on Amazon?
Most items shipped directly from Amazon have a 30-day return window. If the gift came from a third-party seller, they may have their own return timeframe — you can check the Returns to Third-Party Sellers page for more details.
What Gifts from Amazon Can't Be Returned?
Not all products bought from Amazon are eligible for a return. These nonreturable products include the following:
Customized products
Some jewelry products
Some health and personal-care products
Grocery products
Downloadable software
Online subscriptions after they've been accessed
Gift cards (except as required by law)
Items that are classified as hazardous materials or that use flammable liquids or gases.
After you input the 17-digit order number on the Gift Returns page, any nonreturnable items you've received will clearly be labeled: "This item isn't eligible for return."
Can You Exchange a Gift on Amazon?
It depends. As you start the return process, some products may give you the drop-down option to exchange the gift for a different size or color. However, if you don't see this option available, you'll have to return the gift and buy your preferred version.
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