How to easily return presents

Sometimes Santa screws up, and the present you get isn't exactly what you hoped for.

Maybe it's a particularly ugly sweater or a too-large jacket or even a television that won't fit in your home. Not that you're ungrateful, because really, the thought IS what counts, but still, you've got to return it. You won't be alone: The National Retail Federation says customers return an average of nearly four holiday gifts, although more than 60% of people didn't return anything.

Like many retailers, Best Buy says gift receipts and original packaging are key to smooth returns. Best Buy even extends its returns deadline significantly during the holiday season, giving buyers and receivers far more than the usual 15 days to swap out or return gifts.

"We want customers happy with their technology. We want to make it as simple and easy as possible," Best Buy spokesman Jeff Haydock said.

Experts say stores such as Best Buy learned from their online competitors, many of which boast no-hassle returns popular with customers.

"I think the big box stores have gotten a lot smarter," said TJ Donegan, electronics editor at Reviewed.com. "A lot of the big box stores had been going in the other direction, but with online retailers offering more generous policies ... in response, the big box companies expanded their return policies. They saw they needed to compete with the online retailers, (and) it makes a lot of sense for the consumer."

At Sears, the company's curbside pickup service for purchase proved so popular that customers can return items without leaving their cars: "So there's no waiting in lines, braving nasty winter weather or hauling big items from your car," the company boasts. The service started in November, just in time for the holidays.

NRF offers the following tips for both gift-givers and receivers that will help smooth those returns:

•Unwrap carefully. Original packaging is a must for some retailers when it comes to returns. As best you can, make sure all boxes and gifts are returned in the condition they were purchased.

•Give the gift of receipts. Though many retailers may allow consumers to make returns without an original or gift receipt, some don't. To ensure a hassle-free return, it's a great idea to present one. If you know family or friends have plans to return an item, provide them with the original or gift receipt. The federation says more than 60% of gift-givers ask for a gift receipt at least some of the time.

•Make a list and check it twice. Many retailers have their return policies posted online or displayed within stores. Gift-givers should make a list of where they shopped and make note of their return policies. Some stores charge a "restocking fee" for returns.

•Know your online store policies, too. Though millions of gift-givers are in-store shoppers, many purchase gifts online. When making an online return, it's important to know who pays for shipping (the customer or retailer) and the exact location that returned items should be sent. Some online retailers have made hassle-free returns a key part of their business model. Others are less generous.