returning gifts

**kita** · 12-29-2010, 10:23 AM

So how do you tactfully ask for a gift reciept? And what do I do if it was purchased at Costco??
I moved from Jersey to Oregon last year at Christmas. I had almost nothing when I arrived. My SIL (and DB) bought me a toaster last year but I also recieved a toaster from my other brother so I left it there with their knowledge.
This year they bought me a hotel style belguim waffle maker. Not only do I have a (n ordinary) waffle maker but that brother's daughter who has just moved in with me has two waffle irons.
So how do you tactfully ask for the gift receipt? In all of the debate with my mom and niece about this, I have realized that they didn't replace the toaster with any other gift last year. Not that I care but am worried that they might be offended.
And this waffle irom is huge! I only have a small apartment which I am sharing with my niece.

**stinkbug** · 12-29-2010, 11:35 AM

You do not need a receipt to return anything to costco...you don't even need original packaging.

**Darlene** · 12-29-2010, 11:44 AM

Sounds like asking for the receipt might be a touchy thing & returning it might be harder without a membership card but it's worth a try. You can always give Costco a call first and see what they say.

**rskmom** · 12-29-2010, 11:47 AM

I agree with OP, I would call first and explain the situation.

If you can't return it, maybe you can sell it on Craigslist?

good luck!

**Momto5RN** · 12-29-2010, 04:09 PM

unless its offered to me i wouldnt ask for a gift reciept .
especially in these times it may be something they had and regifed.
i would either sell it or freecycle anything i got that i couldnt use .

is it really worth the 25$ or so to have what may be friction .

**LynnLC** · 12-29-2010, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Momto5RN

unless its offered to me i wouldnt ask for a gift reciept .
especially in these times it may be something they had and regifed.
i would either sell it or freecycle anything i got that i couldnt use .

is it really worth the 25$ or so to have what may be friction .

I second this.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-29-2010, 04:20 PM

Generally, if you don't have the receipt you can return the item for store credit. There may be something else you want at Costco. Just explain that it was a gift.

**krbshappy71** · 12-29-2010, 06:26 PM

I was able to return unopened bags of dog food at Petsmart without a receipt, for store credit. Lots of places will give you store credit. I liked the suggestion of selling it on Craig's List as well, but be careful if the giver lives in the same area, your item could be spotted for sale.

Same with donating the item locally. If its particularly sensitive item I go to the neighboring city to donate it.

**ncarr** · 12-29-2010, 06:33 PM

Asking for a gift receipt would be tacky and you might hurt their feelings. i would try returning it for store credit without a receipt. If you can't return pass it on to someone you know who would enjoy it or donate it to charity.

**lisaflex** · 12-29-2010, 06:35 PM

i have clothing gifts the kids received that need to be returned and i am not asking for the gift receipts. i think it a bit cheesy. if i get the sale price, so be it...not worth the hassle of even asking imo

**mndtrp** · 12-29-2010, 08:34 PM

I simply return for store credit, without asking for a gift receipt. It's not worth the phone call, waiting for the mail, and then hoping there are no hard feelings.