How to return a gift to Amazon?

Amazon enables hassle-free returns for many items, and this short guide explains what customers need know to start the process with confidence. It highlights who can initiate a return, what information is required, and which steps save time.

Table of Contents

The guide covers finding a digital receipt, using the Returns Center on desktop, and spotting the FREE Returns badge near the price. Many drop-offs need no extra box and eligible products and devices can be left in original packaging at thousands of U.S. locations.

This section previews practical steps: how givers share a gift receipt, how recipients use a 17-digit order number, and the refund options available—either an account credit or the original payment method depending on who starts the process. It’s a quick, timely overview for holiday and year-round returns.

Before you start: policies and eligibility for Amazon gift returns

Before starting a return, readers should confirm eligibility and timing to avoid delays. Checking policies early saves time and keeps options clear.

Make sure the item qualifies

Look for the “FREE Returns” badge under the price and review product policies before you proceed. Most U.S. products include free returns, but some categories follow different rules.

The item must be unused and include all original accessories and packaging to qualify for a full refund.

Know the return window and holiday considerations

Typical returns must be initiated within the listed days on the order page. Holiday gift purchases often have extended days in the United States.

Check the order details so you know return deadlines before heading to a drop-off location.

What to do if the order wasn’t marked as a gift or you lack a receipt

Ask the giver to share the digital gift receipt from Your Orders.
If that’s not possible, contact customer service for help with the order number and verification.
Document packaging and accessories to speed up any eligibility checks.

Understanding these policies up front helps protect item condition and prevents avoidable issues.

How gift recipients can return amazon gift through the Returns Center

To begin, recipients should open the Returns Center on a desktop and enter the 17-digit order number printed on a packing slip or shown on a digital gift receipt.

Find the order number

They locate the 17-digit order number on the packing slip that arrived with the package or on the digital gift receipt shared by the giver.

If the order wasn’t marked as a gift, recipients should ask the sender for the digital gift receipt or contact customer service for help.

Select items and start the process

In the Returns Center they pick the items and confirm quantities. The site guides them through each step and lets them add a short note if needed.

Choose drop-off and track status

After choosing a return method, recipients can select from over 8,000 U.S. drop-off locations. Many eligible returns accept items in original manufacturer packaging with no extra box required.

They can monitor progress in the Returns Center, where processing milestones and the current status number appear until the refund or credit posts.

Options for gift givers: sharing receipts, returning items, and refunds

Givers can share a digital gift receipt from Your Orders or handle the item themselves so the recipient can manage the next steps.

Share the receipt by selecting “Share Gift Receipt” in Your Orders. This lets the recipient use the order details to start a return on their own without needing the physical packing slip.

How givers can act

If the purchaser still has the item, they may return it directly and check the “FREE Returns” badge under the price to confirm eligibility.
When multiple presents came in one order, attaching the correct receipt helps the right returns items get processed.
Keep a short report of order numbers and dates to speed up any follow-up with customers or support.

Refund choices and timing

Recipients who use the online process receive an Amazon.com gift card to the account that made the request. The original buyer can choose either a gift card or a refund back to their original card.

“Sharing order details and confirming item condition makes the process faster for everyone.”

Wrap-up: simple steps to get refund or exchange on Amazon gifts today

To complete a quick refund or exchange, have the digital gift receipt or 17-digit order number ready and follow the Returns Center steps. Recipients should select items, pick a drop-off method, and track progress by order number. Many U.S. products and devices accept box-free drop-offs at 8,000+ locations when eligible.

Start within the allowed days and keep items unused with original accessories and packaging to speed processing. Recipients typically receive an Amazon.com gift card; buyers can choose a card or the original card refund per policies. Share a digital gift receipt when possible and keep a short report of dates and steps in case follow-up is needed.