Apple's holiday return policy: What you need to know

Sometimes a gift just doesn't land as well as you want it to. Sometimes, you accidentally get a blue iPhone case instead of a red one, or a bag for an 11-inch MacBook Air instead of a 15-inch MacBook Pro, or an iPad mini instead of an iPad Air. Whatever the case, it's a simple matter to return or exchange the wrong gifts and make sure you end up with the right ones.

First, the rules

Normally, the Apple Store — online and retail — offers a 14-day return policy on any item sold. For the holidays, the company has expanded this window: If an item was purchased between November 1 and December 25, you have until January 8 to return or exchange it.

There's no fee to return a hardware gift, even if it's been opened, but Apple does ask that you include all cords, adapters, manuals, and the like in the original packaging.

There are a few things you can't return, including opened software, electronic software downloads from the App Store, Apple Store gift cards, Apple Developer products, and print products (cards, calendars, and books made with iPhoto).

If you purchased an iPhone for a family member and want to return, do note that returning the device may not reset your carrier service contract; you may have to call your carrier if you want to cancel the line or reset your upgrade eligibility.

How to return or exchange your gift at the Apple Store

To return or exchange an Apple Store gift, just bring it to any Apple Store and chat with an Apple Specialist. If you're returning the gift, not the recipient, you can get the balance refunded directly to your card. If your family member or friend is returning the gift, they can either get an Apple Store gift card for the amount of the item or exchange it for another product within the store.

How to return or exchange your gift via the Apple.com store

If you or your recipient live too far away from an Apple retail store, they can return the item via Apple.com. To do so, visit Apple.com/store and click on the Account tab > Return Items > Gift Return.

You'll need to enter either the product's serial number or the order number and UPC, followed by your contact info. Apple will then send you info on how to return your item; once the company receives your return, they'll email you a refund in the form of an Apple Gift Card.