Don't like it? Tips on how to make holiday gift returns

If you were underwhelmed by your Christmas Day haul, you're not the only one.

As much as 15% of holiday sales, which are likely to reach $630.5 billion this year, are returned, according to the National Retail Federation. Luckily, returning unwanted holiday presents has become a relatively painless process. As long as you understand the parameters.

To ensure a hassle-free process, make sure items are in their original packaging, keep tags in place on clothing or shoes and come with a receipt if you can, the National Retail Federation recommends. Those without receipts aren't necessary out of luck. Retailers' policies vary widely, but it never hurts to ask, with a smile, of course.

Post-Christmas shopping: Go for the clothing sales

You don't have to rush to stores the minute Christmas is over, as many of the major retailers have extended return policies for purchases made during the holiday season. Some even have programs that let you make returns for items or gift cards the retailer didn't originally sell.

If you find yourself saying, "Thanks, but no thanks" to some of your holiday loot this year, here's your guide to taking it back:

• Best Buy allows returns for purchases made Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 through Jan. 15. Cellphones and devices with a carrier contract are not included.

• Amazon items shipped from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 can be returned up until Jan. 31. Items bought from an Amazon third-party seller may have a different policy.

• Walmart's policy applies to merchandise bought Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, and it depends on the item — items with a 15-day return policy can be returned until Jan. 10, and items with a 30-day return policy can be returned until Jan. 25. Items received as a gift must be returned in stores.

• Staples extends its 14-day return policy on electronics and furniture bought Nov. 22 to Dec. 24 — you have until Jan. 16 to return those items.

• Target's regular return policy applies for most holiday purchases. Unopened items in new condition can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange. Electronics have a 30-day policy, which doesn't start counting until Dec. 26 for items bought Nov. 1 to Dec. 25.

• Got a gift card you know you'll never use? You can use a card-exchange service such as Cardpool, which allows people to sell unwanted gift cards for up to 92% cash back. You can also use the site to buy gift cards at a discount. Target launched a gift card exchange program in stores this year that allows customers to turn in third-party gift cards in exchange for a Target gift card. The program is available at mobile kiosks in the electronics department of the majority of stores.

• For the first time this year, online retailer Zappos will accept returns for items not even bought on its site. On Dec. 26, the first 500 people who call Zappos customer service from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and tell them about an unwanted gift will get a $100 Zappos gift card in exchange for their gift, which Zappos will donate to charity. Zappos will send people a prepaid return label to send their gift off. Products must be unopened and/or still have tags. Zappos itself has a 365-day return policy.