Here's everything you need to know before you make your returns this holiday season.

Credit: AP

Post-holiday shoppers pass a Christmas tree at Calef's Country Store, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Barrington, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Author: Melissa Hernandez De La Cruz

Published: 9:26 AM EST December 27, 2025

Updated: 9:26 AM EST December 27, 2025

WASHINGTON — With Christmas in the rearview mirror, shoppers are returning to stores — not to buy, but to bring items back.

The last week of December is infamously known for a spike in returns, with one out of every eight returns in the 2024 holiday season taking place between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, according to Adobe Analytics. This year, the trend is expected to continue. 

Between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, returns are expected to rise by 25% to 35% compared with returns between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12, Adobe said, and it expects returns to remain elevated through the first two weeks of January, up 8% to 15%.

According to a report from the National Retail Federation, about 19% of online sales are expected to be returned in 2025. 

But as shoppers head back to stores, they may find that some stores charge fees for returns. 

Gift returns: Can I return items for free?

Most retailers, such as Amazon, Target and Walmart, have free returns for most items. For the holiday season, many of these retailers have an extended return window that expires in January. 

Nordstrom and other department stores also do free returns, especially when done in person. 

Return policies have gotten much tighter in recent years, with Marshalls and T.J. Maxx charging a fee for returns not made in person. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, owned by TJX, charge a $11.99 fee for mail returns. 

Clothing stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Zara and others charge a fee, ranging from around $5 to $7, for items returned by mail. 

JCPenney charges an $8 fee for online returns by mail. Macy's waives its online return fee for Star Rewards members. For non-members, a $9.99 return shipping fee plus tax, where applicable, will be deducted from the refund. 

Best Buy has a $45 return fee for products that require activation, such as smartphones and tablets. Additionally, a 15% "restocking fee" will be charged for items such as drones and digital cameras. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.