UNWANTED gifts are the bane of the festive season. I received a flesh-coloured dressing gown that I wouldn’t have expected a self-respecting octogenarian to wear, but there it was beautifully wrapped with the label revealing that it wasn’t cheap, just nasty.

I guessed that it had been purchased over the internet, so I couldn’t return it without incurring the wrath of the giver. So what do I do? I’m tempted to hand it over to a charity, but I’m not sure even a beggar would want it.

The gumtree.com website has an unwanted gifts section where you can sell your wares without upsetting the giver, and it’s free. Ebay is another sneaky alternative.

No matter how well you know a loved one, at some stage you’ll buy them a present that doesn’t fit, isn’t right or that they simply hate. So can you return goods? Here the Consumer Society outlines your rights.

THERE IS No right to return gifts High street shops don’t have to accept returns unless an item is faulty, not as described or unfit for purpose. But most retailers choose to provide a ‘goodwill’ returns policy, especially at Christmas, offering an exchange, refund or credit note.

Check returns policy before you buy If a shop has a returns policy they must stick to it. Returns policies are usually displayed on receipts, on signs in-store and online. You can also ring the shop’s customer services line to find out details of its returns policy. There may be a time limit.

Items you can and can’t return Most retailers will accept non-faulty returns, as long as items are unused and in perfect condition with their undamaged original packaging. So clothing can be returned, as long as you haven’t worn it.

n You won’t usually be able to return an item if it’s perishable. This includes food and flowers.

n If an item has been made to order or personalised it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to return it.

Returning a gift – what you need Some retailers will only exchange or give you a credit note, while others will give you a refund. But all shops usually require a few key things.

nA receipt. Always keep your receipt and take it with you. If you’re buying a gift for someone else, ask for a gift receipt so they can change it if they want to.

n The card you paid with. If you paid for an item on a debit or credit card, take it with you when you return the item. This is especially important if you want a refund as it’s often credited to the card you paid with n The original packaging. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking the item’s original packaging with you.

Returning a gift not bought by you If you received the item as a gift, you’ll need proof of purchase, and to know the date the gift was ordered if it was bought online.

The best way to do this is with a gift receipt. If you weren’t given one with your gift, you’ll need to ask for the receipt from the person who bought it for you (eek!).

If it was bought online, you may need to ask the person who bought it for you to return it as there are special online regulations that apply to online purchases.