Here's how to get a refund on unwanted Christmas presents - even without a receipt

With Christmas now over, shops across the UK are like to see an influx of customers returning or exchanging unwanted presents.

Here’s everything you need to know about returning gifts after the Christmas period - and what your rights are if you don’t have a receipt.

Can I return unwanted Christmas gifts?

Consumer group Which? explains that "many of us are surprised to find out that high street shops don't have to accept returns unless an item is faulty, not as described or is unfit for purpose.

“The good news is that most retailers choose to provide a 'goodwill' returns policy, especially at Christmas, offering an exchange, refund or credit note for most returns.

“And if your gift was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, you have additional rights to return it under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.”

Although retailers don't have to accept returns on unwanted gifts, most choose to provide a 'goodwill' returns policy (Photo: Shutterstock)

What if I don’t have a receipt?

MoneySavingExpert.com explains that if you don't have a receipt and the item you're returning isn't faulty, it's definitely worth trying to get the original receipt from the person who purchased the gift.

"Some shops may allow you to return items without one, but it depends on the individual store's returns policy."

If the gift is faulty, however, you don't need a receipt.

Instead, "you simply need to show 'proof of purchase', e.g a cheque book stub, bank statement or credit card statement.”

Which? comments that “if you receive an item as a gift, you'll need proof of purchase, and to know the date the gift was ordered if it was bought online.