Below are the shipping and returns policies for all big name retailers
By Sheena Vasani | Published: 2025-10-31 20:00:00 | Source: The Verge
With the holidays quickly approaching, everyone will soon be looking for gifts and the quickest way to get them. Fortunately, many retailers offer generous shipping policies for their products, with some even offering free two-day shipping or even same-day delivery if you’re willing to pay a little extra. And just in case the gift you choose doesn’t quite fit, many retailers offer extended return policies so the gift recipient can get something more to their liking.
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the current shipping and returns policies for all big-name retailers, from Amazon to Walmart. A few of them already have policies in place regarding holidays, but we will monitor them and update our list accordingly. Hopefully knowing more about how much leeway you have to make a return will help reduce the inevitable holiday anxiety (fingers crossed).
shipping: Same day delivery is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s (it is also limited to Black Friday). However, Prime members get free same-day delivery on eligible orders Eligible zip codes Provided they meet the “minimum qualifying dollar amount” ((which varies depending on location) of eligible items in their shopping cart. One-day and two-day delivery is also available with no minimum purchase amount required for Prime members for qualifying products. Non-Prime buyers will find shipping options on the order page for each specific product.
Returns: As part of the holiday promotional period, Amazon says Most items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned through January 31, 2026. However, Apple products must be returned by January 15, 2026. Note that this policy applies to both Premium and non-Premium buyers.
shipping: Apple has not yet provided details about its holiday shipping policy; However, last year, it offered free delivery on in-stock items that weren’t engraved by Christmas Eve if you ordered before 9pm ET on December 21st. Apple also offers free next-day or 2-hour delivery from local stores in most metro areas for an additional fee, or you can choose to pick up purchases yourself by visiting your local Apple Store.
Returns: Purchases made after December 25 are subject to the usual terms and conditions and must be returned within 14 calendar days of the initial purchase date.
Illustration by Christine Radtke/The Verge
shipping: Target offers free two-day shipping on many orders if you spend $35 or more or use your Target RedCard. Same day delivery costs $9.99 per order, but is included with Target circle 360 Membership ($10.99/month/$99/year). Your mileage and same-day delivery availability may vary based on the product and your location.
Returns: Target is offering an extended returns policy for electronics and entertainment items purchased between November 1 and December 24, allowing you to return them until January 24, 2026, for a full refund. Cellphones and Apple products (including Beats products) purchased during the same period must be returned by January 9, 2026. Target’s standard return policy applies to most other items, with a generous 90-day window for third-party products and up to a year for Target-branded products with a receipt.
Illustration by Christine Radtke/The Verge
shipping: Walmart has not yet published its official holiday shipping policy. Typically, though, Walmart offers free next day delivery in eligible zip codes, free two-day delivery, and free standard shipping on eligible orders of $35 or more. Walmart Plus subscribers also get free next-day, two-day shipping with no minimum order.
Returns: Most items were purchased between October 1st and December 31st It may be reinstated until January 31, 2026. Some exceptions may apply, such as smartphones.
shipping: B&H offers free two-day and next day shipping on select items. Most other items qualify for free standard shipping (one to seven business days), and free expedited shipping (one to three business days) is generally available on items over $49.
Returns: B&H allows returns within 30 days of delivery, provided that the items are in new condition and still in their original packaging.
Illustration by Christine Radtke
shipping: Best Buy offers free next day and two-day shipping on qualifying orders for My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members. Meanwhile, non-members can get free next day shipping on qualifying orders totaling $35 or more.
Returns: Best Buy offers a 15-day return window for most products, while “activable” items that come with third-party contracts — like smartphones and wearables — must be returned within 14 days. My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members have up to 60 days to make returns, although the 14-day limit still applies to activateable products.
shipping: At Costco, shipping fees vary depending on the product and shipping method, although shipping is often offered for free. The wholesale retailer also offers a variety of delivery options, including a “white glove” service for larger appliances. Same day delivery is also available for some items Through Costco’s partnership with Instacart.
Returns: Costco generally has an open returns policy, with the exception of electronics like televisions and computers, which have a 90-day return period. However, there are other exceptions listed on their return page.
Photography by Sean Hollister/The Verge
shipping: GameStop is currently offering free shipping on orders over $35. It also offers Same day delivery In certain locations if you order from your local store at least three hours before the store closes.
Returns: GameStop hasn’t listed its holiday returns policy yet, but products can be returned within 15 days, provided the packages are unopened and you have the receipt. Meanwhile, Pro members get 30 days.
shipping: Most Dell products come with free standard shipping (no minimum purchase required), and some gifts may ship for free in time for Christmas If you place your order By December 19th. Delivery times can vary based on your order, but Dell also offers expedited shipping options, as well as a delivery date estimate based on the zip code you provide at checkout. Orders placed by December 23rd are expected to arrive with eligible express delivery periods before December 25th.
Returns: As part of Dell’s extended returns policy, purchases made between November 1 and December 29 can be returned through January 15, 2026.
shipping: DJI offers free shipping on purchases of $149 or more. Otherwise, shipping charges are specified on the order form. Shipping times can vary for each product based on availability.
Returns: DJI offers returns within 14 days of receipt of purchase, provided the product is still in brand new condition or has a manufacturing defect.
shipping: All standard orders qualify for free shipping with no minimum. Just note that this applies to the cheapest shipping available, which may not be the fastest.
Returns: Google hasn’t announced any special holiday return policies yet. Currently, all purchases are subject to our standard terms and conditions, which allow you to return most items within 15 days of receiving them. However, Nest Thermostats and Verizon contract phones come with an extended 30-day return period.
shipping: For many items, standard shipping is free and will arrive at your door within three to six days. HP also offers fast and priority shipping options for an additional fee. The Company will not ship or deliver items on Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Year’s Day.
Returns: You can return most items purchased from the HP website within 30 days of delivery. However, there are exceptions, and select items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 15 percent.
Image: The Edge
shipping: Most products sold through the Microsoft Online Store include free two- or three-day shipping, with expedited shipping available for an additional fee.
Returns: You can return most physical products purchased online for free until January 31, 2026, provided they are in like-new condition. The item must be in its original packaging, with all parts, manuals and other accessories included. Items exempt from this policy include digital gift cards, gift cards for services and subscriptions, and select devices, such as ROG Xbox Ally and HoloLens.
shipping: Many Newegg items come with free shipping and are delivered within one to five business days; For details, see individual product page.
Returns: Eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned or exchanged through January 31, 2026.
shipping: According to Sam’s Club’s FAQs, the shipping cost for most items varies based on item size and weight, shipping method, and delivery address. Plus members get free shipping on many online items, and free same-day delivery or curbside pickup is available if you’re a Plus member ($110 annually) and place a qualifying order totaling $50 or more by 1 p.m. local time. Club members ($50 annually) can pay $12 for same-day or next-day shipping, or get free pickup on orders of $50 or more.
Returns: Sam’s Club does not have a set return window; However, some products may have specific return periods. For example, major electronics and appliances have a 90-day return period, while phones have a 14-day return policy.
shipping: Sonos offers free shipping on all of its products, and in-stock items usually ship the same day if purchased by 11 a.m. local time. You can also pay extra for express or 2-day shipping.
Returns: Sonos offers a 30-day return policy and also offers free return shipping. However, you must have purchased the product directly from Sonos, and you must initiate the return process within 30 days of receiving your purchase. The item must also include the original packaging and be in new or new condition to be eligible.
October 31 update: Updated to reflect shipping deadlines/return policies regarding the 2025 holiday season.
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