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Reading Time: 4 minutesSo someone sent you a gift from Amazon and, for whatever reason, you’ve decided it’s not a keeper. Maybe it’s not the right size, or you hate the color, or you really just don’t need another decorative mug, Carol. Whatever the reason, there’s no shame in returning a gift. If the only thing holding you back from returning a gift sent from Amazon is the sender finding out you’ve returned it, we have good news.
Luckily, returning a gift to Amazon without the gift giver finding out is relatively simple.
Here are a few guidelines for returning gifts on Amazon:
- No receipt needed: You can return unopened (or in original condition) Amazon gifts without a receipt and still get a full refund in the form of Amazon gift cards.
- Must send items back in 30 days: You typically have a 30-day window after delivery to return your item for a full refund. During holidays, this period is often extended.
- Some items may not qualify: The item must indicate free returns on the product page. Most items sold and fulfilled by Amazon should qualify, but there are certain third-party sellers that may not offer free returns.
While it’s a straightforward process, there are a couple of steps involved. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly how to return a gift to Amazon without alerting the gift giver.
How to Return a Gift on Amazon Without a Receipt (the Sender Will Never Know)
If you received an Amazon package as a gift, it’s likely you don’t have the receipt. That’s okay, because you actually don’t need one to get a refund. Just follow this step-by-step breakdown and you’ll be swimming in Amazon gift cards in no time.
- Navigate to the Amazon Return Center. You’ll have to do this on a desktop or laptop browser.
- Find the 17-digit order number on the packing slip that came with your package. The number is also listed on the digital gift receipt (if you received one).
- If you can’t find your 17-digit order number, you can try contacting Amazon Customer Service and giving them the tracking number for your order. They will be able to find your order and assist you in your refund.
- If you do not have the tracking number, the person who sent you the gift will need to contact Amazon directly for any returns.
- Enter the number in the “Order Number” bar and then click “Search”.
- Select the gift you’d like to return and choose a return reason from the drop-down menu.
- If your gift was purchased from a third-party seller, you’ll see an option to “Submit return request”. The seller may review your return request before authorizing it.
- Select a method of return. You can either mail the item back or drop the item in an Amazon Hub Locker.
- Follow the remaining prompts on the screen to complete your return submission.
Once you’ve completed the online return process, all you have to do is physically return the item either by mail or in an Amazon Hub Locker. It’s not advisable to return multiple items at once, as that can cause issues with Amazon’s return platform. If you want to return multiple items, it’s recommended to repeat the process for each item individually.
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How Are Returned Amazon Gifts Refunded?
The value of the refunded item will be credited to your Amazon account, which can be used for future Amazon purchases. Cash refunds are not available on refunds from a gift receiver, but Amazon gift cards are basically as good as cash these days. Refunds typically take about a week to be processed, though in some cases, you may be waiting up to three weeks.
Note that items worth more than $2,000 can only be refunded through the original payment method. In this case, the refund would go through the person who sent you the gift.
If You Return a Gift on Amazon, Does the Sender Know?
This is probably the biggest reason people hold off on returning gifts, but there’s nothing to fear. For one, there’s nothing wrong with returning a gift, especially if the gift giver includes a receipt. Also, Amazon doesn’t inform the gift giver if you return the gift using either the 17-digit order number or the tracking number. So you can enjoy your refunded Amazon credit without the shame of telling someone you didn’t want their gift.
Can You Return Used Items to Amazon?
To get a full refund, returned items must be unopened and undamaged. You can request a refund on items that aren’t in the original condition, but Amazon likely won’t refund you the entire value of the item. This may not be a big concern if the item was gifted to you anyway, but it’s worth noting in case you’ve already used your gift before deciding to return it.
Can I Return Amazon Gifts at Kohl’s?
Returning items via mail can be a hassle, and there’s not always an Amazon Hub Locker nearby. Luckily, you can return Amazon packages in-person at Kohl’s. Not every Kohl’s location offers this service, but you can find out if that option is available to you at the Amazon Return Center. For a detailed guide on how to return Amazon gifts at Kohl’s, check out the link below.
Can I Return Amazon Gifts at Whole Foods?
You can return Amazon packages at most Whole Foods locations, and you don’t even need a box or label when bringing your package to the store. Simply initiate the return on the Amazon Return Center and select your nearest Whole Foods location. You will need to bring your item along with the QR code that will be sent to your email to complete the return.
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Eric Vega
Eric Vega is a Puerto Rican writer and filmmaker working out of Burbank, California. He has covered a plethora of topics in his writing including the looming threat of invasive species, the true spirit of the Juggalos, and why space travel will always be a carnival of nightmares.
