Did you receive a gift you're not happy with, whether it be broken, the wrong size or just not your taste?

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) wants you to know that it most likely can be returned.

Before it's too late, reevaluate your recent purchases and presents to make sure you're not missing the chance to cash in on something that will otherwise go unused or unappreciated.

What can you return?

If it’s unused and unopened, you can return it.

After sometimes numerous shopping sprees for Christmas presents, some people find themselves with extras after the big day, an anything unused can be sent back in most cases, depending on the reruns policy.

Online stores are required to give consumers two weeks after deliver to return goods for any reason, with some companies offering even longer.

When you buy in-person, change of mind returns are based on the shop policy, but many allow returns and have extended return periods in to January.

Broken toy car. Picture by: Maksim Rybak / Alamy

If something isn’t working, definitely bring it back.

CCPC research has found that consumers consistently underestimate how strong their rights are when a good or service turns out to be faulty. You have consumer rights for up to six years after you buy something. 

Under law you have the right to a hassle-free refund within 30 days if a good is faulty or not as described.

For the first year the law sides with the consumer if a good is faulty. This means that the trader should provide a replacement, a repair or a refund.

Gift returns

The CCPC wants to remind consumers that when you've received something as a present you have the same consumer rights.

If you found a gift to be faulty or simply want to return or exchange it, the regular returns rules.

While you may be asked for a receipt or other proof of purchase, the business can’t refuse to deal with you because you didn’t buy the product yourself.

The business also can’t require you to accept a refund on the same payment card used to buy the product. 

If you lose the receipt or never had one, it is worth checking with a business if they will provide you with an exchange or a credit note.

Spend vouchers NOW

Vouchers are a popular Christmas present for those wanting to give the gift of choice.

The CCPC advise that you spend any vouchers you receive straight away.

Many people will lose or forget about gift vouchers and then never spend them.

The law requires gift vouchers to be valid for at least five years, but "maintenance charges" can reduce their value significantly over time.

One4All, the popular voucher brand, charges €1.45 per month on unused balances from 18 months after the card is activated.

Main image shows a disappointed woman unboxing a package. Picture by: tommaso altamura / Alamy