The frenzy is over. The chaos complete. Now, comes the returns…

For most stores, they try to make returning as easy as possible. Here are the top retailers and their return policies made simple:

Target

You have 90 days for most items to be returned in new and unused condition. The website states that if you have an item bought through the mail, you need to have the original packaging and accessories packed with the item. Of course, there are exceptions and you should check the receipt for specific instructions.

For certain items, you only have 45 days – Computer Hardware like tablets and eReaders, camcorders and cameras, gift cards, prepaid cell phones, or any other prepaid cards such as those for music or games.

NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS include: music, movies, video games and software. These items may be exchanged.

If you bought an item on-line, you can, in most cases, return it to the store as long as you have the packing slip or the credit card used for purchase.

If you return something you were given as a gift and don’t have a gift receipt or packing slip, you will be given a Target gift card for most items. Some exceptions apply – you’ll need to check with the store.

Please check the Target Return Policy website for further details.

Walmart

With Walmart, you also have 90 days to return items.  They have extended their return policy for Christmas. Any exception that normally has a 15 or 30 window purchased from November 1^st to December 24^th will be counted from December 26^th forward, not the date of purchase.

These items include TVs, computers, camcorders, digital cameras, digital music players, e-tablets, e-readers, portable video players, GPS units, video game hardware, pre-paid cell phones, and post-paid cell phones.

If you bought an airbed (maybe for a visiting relative) and decide to return it after it was used, you can only get another airbed or equal or greater value so it’s probably best to keep it. If the airbed was defective, you have 90 days to return it.

If you bought someone a swimming pool, chainsaw or compressor (among other like items), you only have 30 days to return those items.

You have 90 days to return music, movies and games if they haven’t been opened for either a refund or an exchange.

If you got anyone a tree, shrub or perennial, you have one year to either get a refund or an exchange on that.

Walmart will give refunds without a receipt – for items $25 and under, you can get cash. For items over $25, you get a Walmart shopping card of the value of the item or you can do an even-up exchange.

You can return 3 items within a 45 day period. If you try to return more than that within that time frame, you’ll get flagged and a manager will have to approve the transaction.

Please check Walmart’s Return Policy page for more details.

Best Buy

Best Buy is also offering extended holiday returns through January 24^th, 2012. Of course, their normal stipulations apply such as non-returnable items so please check their policies specifically if you have a question.

You must have a receipt, gift receipt or packing slip and if you are returning to a store, a photo id is required for all returns.

You have 14 days for items such as desktop and notebook computers, tablets, monitors, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, DJ equipment and lighting, pro audio and home recording equipment.

All other items are allowed 30 days for returns, unless you are a member of their Reward Zone® Premier Silver program and then you are lucky enough to have 45 days.

They have a long list of restricted items you cannot return, such as the soda you purchased after standing in line to check out. You also can’t return earbuds, microphones or harmonicas, understandably. If you lost pieces, broke something or had something etched or personalized, you will not be able to return it.

Like the others, you cannot return opened music, movies or games but you may exchange them for a like item.

Again, please check the returns website for specifics on any items you might be wondering about.

Happy Return Shopping!

Marijo Tinlin is the Editor in Chief of Family First, one of the oldest family-oriented websites on the internet. She is also the author of the new book about patriotism and teaching our children to love this country. It’s called “How to Raise an American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American” and features 13 interviews with patriotic Americans including Ed Meese, Erick Erickson and Jackie Gingrich Cushman. It’s available at www.raisinganamericanpatriot.com.

Here’s how it works: Attach the tiny transmitter to the valuable with the included velcro or strap. Or, in the case of a bag, you can just put it inside. Then set the receiver to go off at 10 or 25 feet.
Now, when the transmitter gets at the set distance from you, the vibrator/beeper on the receiver unit alerts you (the alert is your choice).
Pretty cool, huh? And very simple. Simple is good.
This device will soon be available at a retail store near you, but you can go ahead and order one directly from the manufacturer for $29.95 plus $4.95 for shipping. You’ll need to email the manufacturer and let him know you’re interested.
You see, he’s looking for retailers to market his product, so he’s not really selling them online, but you can still obtain one directly from him.
So check out today’s FamilyFirst offering, and when the Mini Reminder is the next hot thing, tell everyone that you heard about it here first!
http://www.minireminderusa.com

The site is called Netflix, and it is the ultimate online DVD rental service available. With Netflix you can rent as many DVDs as you want for just $17.99 plus any applicable tax a month. You keep a revolving library of up to 3 DVDs at a time and can exchange them for new available DVDs as often as you like. The number of DVDs you rent depends on how quickly you watch and return each of your DVDs. Select your movies at sign-up and they should arrive in your mailbox within 1 to 3 business days via first class mail. They reach more than 85% of subscribers with generally one-day delivery. After you finish watching a movie, simply put it in its prepaid envelope and mail it back. As soon as they receive it, they will send your next available movie. Shipping is always free both ways � no hidden charges.
New customers are eligible for a free trial. To avoid being charged after your trial, simply cancel your account before the trial ends. If you are enjoying Netflix, do nothing and your membership will automatically continue for as long as you choose to remain a member at the 3 -at-a-time program rate, currently, $17.99 plus any applicable tax. To get started with your FREE TRIAL, simply click the “Free Trial” button anywhere on the site and complete the simple sign-up process. Once signed up, use the web site to choose your movies. Your first three available movies should arrive within 1 to 3 days. You can easily cancel your membership anytime, online, 24 hours a day. There are no cancellation fees.
I said that Netflix is the best that I have seen in this blossoming industry. In business since 1998, Netflix is the #1 online DVD rental service. Each month, they provide movie entertainment to more than 2,000,000 satisfied customers. The number of customers alone says they must be doing something right.

http://www.worldvillage.com/netflix.html

It is called SurfMonkey, and is a trustworthy, friendly, cyberspace guide and companion that safely helps kids meet, learn, play, shop, and explore online. Here children (and grownups as well) can play games, visit cool sites, bulletin boards, and go to the mall. Several levels of safety that the site offers enhance the safe surfing experience. There is the SurfMonkey Bar and Character, which warn and guide children as they surf. There is also the SurfMonkey Web Browser, a 100% free program that is designed for kids to make their surfing experience a safe one. There is also SurfMonkey Channel, one that offers the ultimate in online safe surfing. All of these products are available for download, or you may order a free CD with the programs on them (with no shipping or handling charge).

So stop on by and visit with the SurfMonkey. It will be a fun filled experience for everyone in your family.

http://www.surfmonkey.com/default.asp?FAM2

It is called SurfMonkey, and is a trustworthy, friendly, cyberspace guide and companion that safely helps kids meet, learn, play, shop, and explore online. Here children (and grownups as well) can play games, visit cool sites, bulletin boards, and go to the mall. Several levels of safety that the site offers enhance the safe surfing experience. There is the SurfMonkey Bar and Character, which warn and guide children as they surf. There is also the SurfMonkey Web Browser, a 100% free program that is designed for kids to make their surfing experience a safe one. There is also SurfMonkey Channel, one that offers the ultimate in online safe surfing. All of these products are available for download, or you may order a free CD with the programs on them (with no shipping or handling charge).

So stop on by and visit with the SurfMonkey. It will be a fun filled experience for everyone in your family.

http://www.surfmonkey.com/default.asp?FAM2

The site is called WorldTrains.com. It is a who has as it mission to share the joy and fun of railroads and trains all over the world. Their memebers include railway employees, family, friends, rail enthusiasts, educators, historians, and researchers. Their goal is to provide and compliment information about the whole world of trains, from the full size locomotives and the raillines, to model trains and local clubs and organizations. Their aim is to provide a forum for information, and augment local organizations, not to replace them. Here you can truly find out about anything you ever wanted to know about this interesting hobby. It is a new site, one that is growing and changing. But they would like your input to help. That way it will reflect the true nature of this hobby.

So grab your engineer’s cap and head on over. You won’t be dissappointed with the contents of this site, it is truly a great place to spend some time. So AAALLLL ABOARD……..

http://www.allworldtrains.com/

The site is called WorldTrains.com. It is a who has as it mission to share the joy and fun of railroads and trains all over the world. Their memebers include railway employees, family, friends, rail enthusiasts, educators, historians, and researchers. Their goal is to provide and compliment information about the whole world of trains, from the full size locomotives and the raillines, to model trains and local clubs and organizations. Their aim is to provide a forum for information, and augment local organizations, not to replace them. Here you can truly find out about anything you ever wanted to know about this interesting hobby. It is a new site, one that is growing and changing. But they would like your input to help. That way it will reflect the true nature of this hobby.

So grab your engineer’s cap and head on over. You won’t be dissappointed with the contents of this site, it is truly a great place to spend some time. So AAALLLL ABOARD……..

http://www.allworldtrains.com/

It is called SurfMonkey, and is a trustworthy, friendly, cyberspace guide and companion that safely helps kids meet, learn, play, shop, and explore online. Here children (and grownups as well) can play games, visit cool sites, bulletin boards, and go to the mall. Several levels of safety that the site offers enhance the safe surfing experience. There is the SurfMonkey Bar and Character, which warn and guide children as they surf. There is also the SurfMonkey Web Browser, a 100% free program that is designed for kids to make their surfing experience a safe one. There is also SurfMonkey Channel, one that offers the ultimate in online safe surfing. All of these products are available for download, or you may order a free CD with the programs on them (with no shipping or handling charge).

So stop on by and visit with the SurfMonkey. It will be a fun filled experience for everyone in your family.

http://www.surfmonkey.com/default.asp?FAM2