Overview
- Brick‑and‑mortar stores are not legally required to take back intact gifts that are merely unwanted, unless a return was promised, and any refund or voucher is at the store’s discretion.
- For online orders, the statutory withdrawal period is 14 days from delivery and must be explicitly declared; exceptions include personalized items and unsealed hygiene goods, and faulty withdrawal information can extend the deadline to up to one year and 14 days.
- Major retailers have extended festive return windows: Amazon accepts many home and lifestyle categories until January 31, 2026, but electronics, cameras, software and video games are due by January 15; Otto extends returns through the end of January 2026; MediaMarkt and Saturn allow returns until December 31, 2025 for purchases from October 28 to December 16.
- Defective goods are covered by statutory warranty for two years, with sellers bearing the initial burden of proof in the first 12 months; repairs or replacement come first, with price reduction or contract rescission possible if those fail.
- Gift vouchers generally remain redeemable for three years, online-bought vouchers can be withdrawn within 14 days, and consumer groups advise keeping receipts and documenting shipments to avoid disputes as roughly five percent of gifts are returned each year.