Returning Gifts with Success!

     While Christmas has officially come and gone, the aftermath of it all seems to be here to stay. Our family has been running solid for the last several days with holiday hoopla, and it's time to figure out what to do with all the "stuff" that has infiltrated our home. Gifts, clothes, boxes and piles greet us morning and night. It's time we put together a game plan!

Sound familiar to you? Like most everyone after the holidays, you have piles of items with different destinations: keep and wash, return, exchange, and the "not sure yet" pile. Ugh. That pile always lingers longest.

     Today was our first day to venture out into the wild world of retail. Some items had receipts while others unfortunately did not (side note: it is a definite courtesy to the receiver of the gift to attach a gift receipt. It makes the returning process much easier if the item needs to be returned). We had our items in different bags with their destinations: Kohl's, Target, Old Navy, Macy's, Town Center, etc. The organization ahead of time made it easy to grab the bags and run inside.

     Once you're inside, put on an extra dose of PATIENCE! Everyone has gifts to return, so standing in line is as expected as breathing in oxygen at this point. Be courteous and friendly to the cashier assisting you. Chances are, they have been there several house already and have had more than their fair share of rudeness. Remember, they don't make the rules, they just enforce them. Don't hurt the messenger, right?

     Once you've had success returning items for in-store credit or cash (depending on how it was paid for), evaluate your needs. Notice the word here: needs. Does your daughter really need another dress right now? Does your son need another toy to play with the 7 he received on Christmas Day? If not, hold onto the cash or the in-store credit for another rainy day. 

     Here's to a great season of returns! Be patient, be happy, and be thankful!