The holidays are almost here, and that means one thing for millions of people worldwide — shopping season is officially in full swing. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, replacing a gadget, or simply taking advantage of the year-end discounts, knowing how each retailer handles shipping and returns can make a huge difference. After all, no one likes delayed gifts or complicated return policies during the busiest time of the year.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together a detailed 2025 guide covering the shipping and return policies of top retailers like Amazon, Apple, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, and more.
Let’s dive in and see who gives you the best deals, fastest deliveries, and most flexible return windows this holiday season.
1. Amazon: The All-In-One Powerhouse
Shipping:
Amazon remains the undisputed leader in fast and flexible shipping. Prime members continue to enjoy free one-day and two-day delivery on millions of items, along with same-day delivery in select ZIP codes. During the holidays, however, Amazon suspends same-day delivery on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Still, Prime customers can expect ultra-reliable two-day delivery through December. Non-Prime customers will see various shipping fees depending on location and item eligibility.
Returns:
Amazon’s 2025 holiday return window is one of the most generous in the industry. Most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2025, can be returned until January 31, 2026. This gives both buyers and gift recipients plenty of flexibility. The only notable exception is Apple products, which must be returned by January 15, 2026.
Verdict:
Amazon still reigns supreme in logistics — unbeatable speed, effortless returns, and nearly 24/7 customer support.
2. Apple: Premium Service, Premium Conditions
Shipping:
Apple is known for precision, and that extends to its delivery services. Although 2025’s exact deadlines haven’t yet been published, last year Apple offered free delivery on in-stock items ordered before December 21 at 9 PM ET for Christmas Eve arrival. For faster service, Apple provides two-hour local delivery in major metro areas (for a small fee), or you can opt for in-store pickup — an excellent choice for last-minute shoppers.
Returns:
Apple maintains a 14-day return policy on most products purchased after Christmas Day, but during the holiday period, purchases made between November 1 and December 25 usually qualify for extended returns. Items must be in original packaging, and personalized or engraved products may not qualify.
Verdict:
Apple’s return policy is tighter than Amazon’s, but its delivery reliability and in-store pickup options make up for it.
3. Target: Affordable Shopping, Flexible Returns
Shipping:
Target continues to delight customers with free two-day shipping on orders over $35 or when using a Target RedCard. Same-day delivery costs $9.99, but members of Target Circle 360 (priced at $99/year) enjoy unlimited same-day delivery.
Returns:
Target’s extended holiday return policy is especially generous for electronics and entertainment items purchased between November 1 and December 24 — these can be returned until January 24, 2026. For Apple products and mobile phones, the window shortens slightly to January 9, 2026.
Verdict:
Target offers one of the most consumer-friendly combinations of affordable shipping and flexible returns — especially valuable for last-minute gift shoppers.
4. Walmart: Reliable for Bulk and Budget Buyers
Shipping:
Walmart is gradually catching up to Amazon in terms of speed. While the company hasn’t officially announced its 2025 shipping deadlines, expect free two-day delivery on orders above $35 and next-day delivery in eligible areas. Walmart Plus subscribers enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping with no minimum purchase.
Returns:
Walmart’s extended return window allows most purchases made between October 1 and December 31 to be returned until January 31, 2026. As always, some categories — especially phones and electronics — may have special conditions.
Verdict:
Walmart’s generous return dates and low shipping thresholds make it ideal for families doing bulk or budget shopping this holiday.
5. Best Buy: The Tech Lover’s Choice
Shipping:
Best Buy has sharpened its game for 2025. My Best Buy Plus and Total members receive free next-day or two-day shipping on qualifying orders. Non-members get free next-day shipping on orders over $35.
Returns:
The standard return period is 15 days for most products, and 14 days for activatable items like phones or wearables. Premium members get an extended 60-day window, but even they must return activatable devices within the standard 14-day limit.
Verdict:
For tech gifts and gadgets, Best Buy is reliable — but premium membership makes the experience far smoother.
6. Costco: The Customer-Friendly Giant
Shipping:
Shipping costs at Costco vary, but many items ship for free. Larger appliances include “white glove” delivery, ensuring setup and installation. Same-day grocery delivery is available via Instacart in select regions.
Returns:
Costco maintains one of the most lenient return policies in retail. Most items can be returned anytime, except electronics, which have a 90-day window. A few exceptions apply, but in general, Costco prioritizes member satisfaction.
Verdict:
Few retailers can match Costco’s customer loyalty — easy returns and broad shipping options make it a holiday favorite.
7. GameStop: Gaming Gifts Made Easy
Shipping:
GameStop offers free shipping on orders over $35 and same-day delivery in select cities if you order three hours before the store closes.
Returns:
The return window is 15 days for unopened items. Pro members get a more flexible 30-day window. A specific 2025 holiday extension hasn’t yet been posted but is expected soon.
Verdict:
Perfect for last-minute gaming gifts, but watch those short return deadlines.
8. Dell: Dependable for Devices
Shipping:
Dell offers free standard shipping (no minimum), with express and expedited options for faster delivery. Orders placed by December 23 typically arrive by Christmas if eligible for express service.
Returns:
Dell’s 2025 extended holiday policy allows returns for purchases made between November 1 and December 29 until January 15, 2026.
Verdict:
Dell is straightforward — fast shipping, solid policies, and excellent customer service for tech shoppers.
9. DJI: For the Drone Enthusiast
Shipping:
DJI provides free shipping for orders over $149. Delivery times depend on location, and availability can affect shipment speed.
Returns:
DJI accepts returns within 14 days of receipt, provided items are in like-new condition. Returns for manufacturing defects are also accepted under warranty.
Verdict:
DJI’s policies are less flexible, but its premium products and strong quality control make returns rare.
10. Google Store: Streamlined Shopping
Shipping:
Google provides free standard shipping on all eligible products. However, this typically applies to the slowest method available, not express options.
Returns:
Most Google Store purchases can be returned within 15 days, except certain items like Nest Thermostats and Verizon-bound phones, which offer 30 days.
Verdict:
Simple and predictable — not the longest return window, but the process is smooth.
11. HP: Practical and Straightforward
Shipping:
HP’s standard shipping is free (3–6 days). Expedited options are available for a small fee. No deliveries occur on major holidays.
Returns:
Items can be returned within 30 days of delivery, though a 15% restocking fee may apply for select items.
Verdict:
HP’s mix of reliability and transparency makes it a solid option for business or tech purchases.
12. Microsoft Store: Fast & Flexible
Shipping:
Microsoft offers free two- or three-day shipping on most products, with express upgrades available.
Returns:
Most physical purchases are returnable through January 31, 2026, as long as they’re in new condition. Items like gift cards and digital software are excluded.
Verdict:
Microsoft offers one of the most consumer-friendly return extensions of the 2025 season.
13. Newegg: For the Tech Tinkerers
Shipping:
Many Newegg products include free shipping with delivery in 1–5 days, depending on the seller.
Returns:
Holiday purchases made between November 1 and December 31 can be returned or replaced until January 31, 2026.
Verdict:
Newegg remains a dependable choice for electronics and PC enthusiasts.
14. Sam’s Club: Members-Only Perks
Shipping:
Shipping costs vary by weight, location, and membership. Plus Members receive free shipping and same-day delivery for orders over $50. Standard members pay around $12 for faster delivery.
Returns:
Most items don’t have a fixed return period, but electronics and appliances have a 90-day limit, while phones must be returned within 14 days.
Verdict:
Sam’s Club rewards its premium members heavily — great for households buying in bulk.
15. Sonos: Sound with Service
Shipping:
Sonos provides free shipping on all products, often shipping the same day if purchased by 11 AM local time.
Returns:
You can return items within 30 days, including free return shipping, provided the product was purchased directly from Sonos and is in as-new condition.
Verdict:
Sonos stands out for its smooth, customer-first experience — perfect for premium audio gifts.
Final Thoughts
Holiday shopping can be stressful, but understanding these policies makes it smoother and more predictable. In 2025, retailers are focusing more than ever on customer convenience, flexibility, and fast delivery.
Whether you prioritize speed (Amazon, Walmart, Target), premium reliability (Apple, Microsoft), or generous return terms (Costco, Dell), there’s a perfect option for every shopper.
Before hitting “checkout,” always double-check shipping deadlines, and keep receipts handy for returns — your future self will thank you when the post-holiday rush begins!
With the holidays quickly approaching, everyone will soon be on the hunt for gifts and the fastest way to get them. Thankfully, many retailers offer generous shipping policies for their products, with some even providing 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 isn’t quite right, many retailers offer extended return policies so your giftee can get something more to their liking.
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the current shipping and return policies for all the big-name retailers, from Amazon to Walmart. A few of them already have policies in place regarding the holidays, but we’ll be keeping tabs on them and updating our list accordingly. Hopefully, knowing more about how much leeway you have to make a return will help lessen that inevitable holiday angst (fingers crossed).
Amazon
Shipping: Same-day delivery is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s (it’s also limited on Black Friday). However, Prime members get free same-day delivery on qualifying orders in qualifying ZIP codes provided they meet the “minimum qualifying dollar threshold” (which varies by location) of eligible items in their cart. One-Day and Two-Day Delivery with no minimum purchase amount required is also available to Prime members for qualifying products. Non-Prime buyers will find shipping options on the order page of each specific product.
Returns: As part of its holiday promotional period, Amazon says most items purchased between November 1st and December 31st can be returned until January 31st, 2026. Apple products, however, must be returned by January 15th, 2026. Note that this policy applies to both Prime and non-Prime buyers.
Apple
Shipping: Apple has yet to provide details on its holiday shipping policy; however, last year, it offered free delivery of in-stock items that hadn’t been engraved by Christmas Eve if you ordered before 9PM ET on December 21st. Apple also offers free next-day or two-hour delivery from local stores in most metro areas for an additional fee, or you can opt to pick up purchases yourself by visiting your local Apple Store.
Returns: Purchases made after December 25th are subject to the usual terms and conditions, and must be returned within 14 calendar days of your initial purchase date.
Target
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 it’s included with a Target Circle 360 membership ($10.99 a month / $99 a year). Your mileage may vary for same-day delivery availability based on the item and your location.
Returns: Target offers an extended return policy for electronics and entertainment items purchased between November 1st and December 24th, allowing you to return them until January 24th, 2026, for a full refund. Mobile phones and Apple products (including Beats products) purchased during the same window must be returned by by January 9, 2026. Target’s standard return policy applies for 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.
Walmart
Shipping: Walmart has yet to publish its official holiday shipping policy. Typically, though, Walmart provides free next-day delivery in eligible ZIP codes, free two-day delivery, and free standard shipping for eligible orders of $35 or more. Walmart Plus subscribers also receive free next-day and two-day shipping with no order minimum.
Returns: Most items purchased between October 1st and December 31st may be returned until January 31st, 2026. Some exceptions, like smartphones, may apply.
B&H
Shipping: B&H offers free two-day and next-day shipping on select items. Most other products are eligible for free standard shipping (that’s one to seven business days), and free expedited shipping (one to three business days) is generally available for items over $49.
Returns: B&H allows returns within 30 days of the delivery date, provided the items are in new condition and still housed in their original packaging.
Best Buy
Shipping: Best Buy is offering free next-day and two-day shipping on qualifying orders for My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members. Non-members, meanwhile, 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 “activatable” items that come with third-party contracts — such as 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, though the 14-day limit still applies to activatable products.
Costco
Shipping: At Costco, shipping fees vary depending on the product and shipping method, although shipping is often provided free of charge. The wholesale retailer also offers a variety of delivery options, including “white glove” service for larger appliances. Same-day delivery is also available on some items via Costco’s partnership with Instacart.
Returns: Costco generally has an open return policy, except for electronics such as TVs and computers, which have a 90-day return window. There are other exceptions, though, which are listed on its return page.
GameStop
Shipping: GameStop currently offers 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 return policy yet, but products can be returned within 15 days, provided the packages are unopened and you have the receipt. Pro members, meanwhile, get 30 days.
Dell
Shipping: Most Dell products come with free standard shipping (no minimum purchase necessary), and some gifts may ship for free in time for Christmas if you place your order by December 19th. The delivery window 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 with qualifying express delivery windows are expected to arrive before December 25th.
Returns: As a part of Dell’s extended return policy, purchases made between November 1st and December 29th can be returned until January 15th, 2026.
DJI
Shipping: DJI offers free shipping on purchases of $149 or more. Otherwise, shipping fees are specified on the order form. Shipment times can vary for each product depending on availability.
Returns: DJI offers returns within 14 days of receiving the purchase, provided the item remains in like-new condition or suffers from a manufacturing defect.
Shipping: All standard orders qualify for free shipping with no minimum. Just note that this applies to the lowest-cost shipping available, which may not be the fastest.
Returns: Google hasn’t announced any special holiday return policies yet. For now, all purchases are covered by the standard terms and conditions, which let you return most items within 15 days of receiving them. Nest Thermostats and Verizon contract phones, however, come with an extended 30-day return window.
HP
Shipping: For many items, standard shipping is free and will arrive at your door within three to six days. HP also offers expedited 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 HP’s website within 30 days of delivery. There are exceptions, though, and select items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 15 percent.
Microsoft
Shipping: Most products sold through the online Microsoft Store include free two- or three-day shipping, with express shipping available for an additional fee.
Returns: You can return most physical products purchased online for free through January 31, 2026, provided they’re 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 hardware, such as the ROG Xbox Ally and HoloLens.
Newegg
Shipping: Many of Newegg’s items come with free shipping and are delivered within one to five business days; for details, check the individual product page.
Returns: Qualifying items purchased between November 1st and December 31st can be returned or replaced until January 31st, 2026.
Sam’s Club
Shipping: According to the Sam’s Club FAQ, the shipping cost for most items varies based on the item’s size, weight, shipping method, and delivery address. Plus Members get free shipping on many online items, and same-day delivery or curbside pickup is available for free if you’re a Plus member ($110 a year) and place a qualifying order totaling $50 or more by 1PM local time. Club members ($50 a year) can pay $12 for same-day or next-day shipping, or get free curbside pickup on orders of $50 or more.
Returns: Sam’s Club does not have a specified return period; however, some products may have specific return periods stated. For example, electronics and major appliances have a 90-day return window, while phones are subject to a 14-day return policy.
Sonos
Shipping: Sonos offers free shipping on all of its products, with in-stock items typically shipping the same day if they’re purchased by 11AM local time. You can also pay extra for two-day or express shipping.
Returns: Sonos offers a 30-day return policy and even provides free return shipping. However, you must have bought the product directly from Sonos, and the return must be initiated within 30 days of receiving your purchase. The product must also include the original packaging and be in new or as-new condition to be eligible.
Update, October 31st: Updated to reflect shipping deadlines / return policies as they pertain to the 2025 holiday season.