Returning unwanted gifts Gifts not bought in person

There are different rules for returning gifts bought online

If the product was bought online, by post or by telephone, The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 (DSR) give consumers a 'cooling-off' period of seven working days. This period starts from the day after you received the goods, and during this time you can cancel for any reason.

Many online, telephone or mail order shops have goodwill returns policies allowing an extended period in which to return unwanted goods over and above DSR rules.

If you received the product as a gift, you'll need proof of purchase, and to know the date the gift was received by the buyer to return it under these rules.

You may have to pay postage costs for sending an item back, though some online retailers with high street branches let you take items ordered online back to a branch.

What you can't return

Items that can't be returned under the DSRs include CDs, DVDs or software if you've broken the seal on the wrapping, perishable items such as food and flowers, and tailor-made or personalised goods. The exception to this is CDs, DVDs or software disks that are faulty - these can be returned even if you have broken the seal.