Returning some gifts might be harder than just keeping them

One unwelcome byproduct of the holiday season is that at least one gift was a fail.

Returning it, however, can be a pain.

According to a 2017 survey of holiday shoppers by the National Retail Federation, almost two-thirds said they made at least one return last holiday season.

But where best to make that return?

Consumer Reports Guide released its list of retailers that have a no-questionsasked returns policy. The consumer group also warns of others that apply strict rules that can make returning purchases irritating or even impossible.

Popular big-box stores Target and Walmart were not included in the survey results.

Consumer Reports suggests that these retailers are among the best in the business for returning gifts. (Mail-order companies such as L.L. Bean and Harry & David also scored well in this category.)

Bed Bath & Beyond. You can return the household item in-store or by mail with no time limit (except for baby and maternity clothes) and shipping is free. No gift receipt? An employee can look up purchases made in the past year. If the item can’t be found, you can get a refund for a store credit at the item’s current price, minus 20 percent.

Costco. No time limit on returns, except for appliances and electronics, which must go back within 90 days. No receipt necessary.

JCPenney. Accepts returns and exchanges without a receipt at any time, except for appliances, furniture, fine jewelry and electronics. Formal dresses and electronics require their original tags or packaging.

Kohl’s. The department store chain’s “no questions asked, hassle-free” return policy for all purchases has no time limit. No receipt?

No problem. Just go to a customer-service counter with the item for an exchange or store credit equal to the lowest price the item sold for in the past 13 weeks. If you paid with your Kohl’s charge card, any order within the past 12 months will get a credit to your account. Items bought with other credit cards or after the 12-month time frame will get you a store credit or a corporate-issued refund. One exception to returns: Premium electronics must be returned within 30 days in original packaging, though if purchased through Dec. 25, you have until Jan. 31, 2018, to return.

Nordstrom. The department-store chain has no formal return policy so returns are handled case by case. No receipts are required, no time limits, no original tags needed — except for special-occasion dresses.

These retailers have less-liberal return policies, most often requiring a receipt and affixing a shorter time limit, according to