As you finish up Christmas wrapping, you may also want to keep tabs on what needs to be returned after the holiday.

And as you plan your returns, keep in mind shorter holiday return windows at some retailers.

While many retailers allow shoppers to return holiday items well into January, if you miss those deadlines, you may get stuck with items you dont need.

Earlier this year, Brenda Reynolds said she was denied a return on her defective couch because she waited too long.

"They said we only had three days to report a problem. Otherwise, they could not refund or replace the couch," Reynolds said.

WATCH: Shopping experts warn of return traps:

Return policy caution: Retailers getting stingier with returns

Avoid shipping and restocking fees

In some cases, consumers may also face additional costs for returning certain items.

Douglas Bowman, professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, explained how holiday returns hit retailers' bottom lines.

"Direct costs that we can all sort of imagine; shipping, customer support, inspection, repackaging," Bowman said. "There's also inventory carrying costs, right? Because stuff was sitting at my home when it could be available for sale."

RELATED STORY | Holiday shopping trends reveal sharp generational divide

Most retailers offer free in-store returns, but many now charge return shipping.

Take Macy's for example. Unless you're a Star Rewards member, return shipping is $9.99.

Before you buy, in-store or online, the Better Business Bureau's Melanie McGovern suggests shoppers check a retailer's return policy closely.

"Knowing if you're going to get your money back, if there's an even exchange, if there's a restocking fee," McGovern said. "It's so important before you make that purchase, so you know you have that peace of mind when you do give that gift."

For smooth returns, follow these steps:

Include gift receipts it's not too late to request one from a retailers customer service counter  Keep items in original packaging  Don't remove tags 

Extended holiday return windows

Also, pay close attention to return windows, which vary by store. Holiday return windows for some major retailers include:

Amazon: Most items purchased Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2025, can be returned until Jan. 31.  Best Buy: Most items purchased Oct. 31-Dec. 31, 2025, can be returned until Jan. 15.   Kohls: Most items purchased Oct. 5-Oct. 31, 2025, can be returned until Jan. 31. For items purchased after Nov. 1, the standard 90-day return window takes effect.  Macys: Most items purchased Oct. 6-Dec. 31, 2025, can be returned until Jan. 31.  Target: Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days. Target has an extended return window for electronics and entertainment products, and most Target Plus items purchased Nov. 1-Dec. 24.  Walmart: Most items purchased Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2025, can be returned until Jan. 31. 

There are often exceptions on Apple-branded products, beauty products, furniture, mattresses and other electronics.

Loyalty programs can help ease returns.

For example, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members get longer return windows.

Kohls shoppers who buy items with a Kohls Card have 120 days to make a return as opposed to 90 days.

Bowman said deadlines and fees have become a part of the modern shopping experience that consumers have come to expect.

"I think the overall riding thing in consumers' minds is fairness," Bowman said. "If it's a fair return policy, then absolutely I want you to stay in business. I'm willing to accept that."

McGovern recommends checking www.BBB.org or other forums for repeat complaints about returns.

"Knowing that retailer is critically important to making sure you not only get the right gift, but then you don't have to make that return," McGovern said.

Walmart shopper Scott Egan just hopes he doesn't have too many gifts to return.

"Online has been very helpful," Egan said. "The longer return periods have definitely helped as well."

Hopefully, you can avoid long return lines, so you don't waste your time or money.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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After hours of video calls, texts, streaming and scrolling through social media, smartphone buyers cashing in on Cyber Monday deals want a smartphone battery that will last.

"While there's a lot of talk about AI, all people want is really good battery life on their phones," said CNET phone reviewer and managing editor Patrick Holland.

Vladim Guliants just bought an iPhone 17, which Apple touts as having the best-ever battery life.

"I hear that the battery life is much better," Guliants said, "and our old units are two, maybe two and a half years old and the battery is not as good as it used to be."

So in the battle of battery life, do the newest iPhones live up to the hype?

Watch: CNET tests out the iPhone 17 battery:

Does the iPhone 17 battery live up to the hype?

New iPhone batteries put to the test

Holland and his team with CNET put the newest iPhone batteries to the test with hours of streaming, gaming and scrolling through social media.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max was the top performer, losing just 9% of battery life in a three-hour video test.

"Apple put a bigger battery in the phone so there's a bigger gas tank," Holland said.

He says even the slimmed-down iPhone Air, with a modest battery capacity, can last all day depending on usage.

"Someone who uses their phone all the time, who's online a lot, or does a lot of video and photography...is that going to cut it for them? Probably not," Holland said.

In CNET testing, the newest iPhone batteries outlasted previous versions and lasted longer than Apple's competitors.

If youre an Android user, Holland said customers still have options for great battery life.

"One that I particularly like is the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. You don't even need to get the most expensive one, but the most expensive one has the biggest battery," Holland said.

A word of advice: If youre shopping for a new Samsung phone for yourself, Holland encourages buyers to pause, "because we know that Samsung will likely update their phones in January," he said.

Improve battery life, without a major purchase

If the battery is the only issue with your current phone, Holland suggests a battery replacement.

"We're talking maybe $50, $100, depending on the labor and things like that," Holland said.

He says keep batteries charged longer by lowering your screen's brightness and avoiding streaming with a poor cell signal.

To squeeze another year out of your current phone, CNET recommends smartphone users:

Install all available updates  Use a case  Offload apps and photos you dont need  Clean out ports 

But if its time for an upgrade, a great Cyber Monday deal could be the answer to your battery issues, so you don't waste your money.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.___________________________________"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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Tim Meeks struggles to get in his SUV. Even buckling up is tough for the guitarist who was recently diagnosed with ALS.

"It started with the right arm that was incredibly weak, and my fingers didn't work like they were supposed to," Meeks said.

The disease forced him to quit playing music, and he physically can't drive but he's still not able to get out of his car lease.

On top of that, Meeks claims a reduced income and incoming medical expenses will not allow him to cover his monthly lease payments.

Meeks said he explained his diagnosis to his car dealer and the car manufacturer but was told he is obligated to pay, even if he cant drive.

"I was kind of alarmed by that," Meeks said. "I was hoping for just a little something, some assistance, but there is none."

WATCH: Man diagnosed with ALS explains how he can't get out of his car lease, even though he can't drive:

Man with ALS can't get out of car lease: How to escape a lease

To leave a lease early, expect to pay

The few exceptions for breaking a lease are typically reserved for military members, and sometimes people forced to relocate for work.

But experts say the termination fee alone can cost as much as the remaining payments on your lease.

"Usually if you do need to get out of the lease, you're going to lose money. It gets expensive," said David Undercoffler, head of consumer insights with CarGurus.

If you genuinely cannot afford a leased car, another option is to default on the payments, which would negatively impact your credit rating.

Other options for ending a lease

While it hasnt worked for Meeks, a safer option is talking with your dealer about renegotiating the terms of your contract, according to NerdWallet's Kimberly Palmer.

"In some cases, they can offer you a less expensive vehicle to lease for the duration of your lease," Palmer said. "That could be a way that you could better handle your payments."

Another call to make is to your leasing company.

"It may not be in the formal contract, but you could get somebody on the phone, explain your situation, and there may be some leeway to terminate that lease early without massive fees or termination charges," Undercoffler said.

Transfer or swap your lease

It may be worth checking websites like Swapalease and LeaseTrader, where drivers can list their leased car for a swap.

"A lease swap gives somebody else the opportunity to get into your lease at usually the same terms," Undercoffler said.

Transferring a lease isn't free, but once someone else takes over, you can walk away.

"You do want to make sure you're using a legitimate company, a legitimate website to help facilitate that lease," Palmer said.

We contacted Meeks' lender, which told us it is now reviewing his case, but currently he has to continue making payments on a car that he may soon no longer be able to drive.

"It's very disheartening," Meeks said.

When leasing a car, make sure to understand the terms and conditions, so you dont waste your money.

______________________________

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

_________________________________

"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

Follow John:

Facebook: John Matarese Money Instagram: @johnmataresemoney X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com