How to return unwanted Christmas gifts Already read the book you got for Christmas? DASHING back to the shops after Christmas to return gifts or attempt to get a refund will be on the "to-do list" for many of us. While others won't bother and will simply plonk any unwanted presents or gifts that don't work properly in the cupboard, those who do take goods back should be clear on what rights they have. A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokeswoman says regardless of whether the item was a gift that someone received or one they gave, the same rights apply in regards to refunds or returns. But there are some vital things to remember before making a trip back to the shops. "You must still be able to prove where the gift was bought," the spokeswoman says. If you cannot show where the product was purchased, the store or manufacturer is not obliged to accept your claim but may still choose to do so. Businesses are not required to give a refund to a customer simply because they changed their mind or they didn't like the item. "Some stores do have policies to offer a refund, replacement or credit note when this happens," the CAV spokeswoman says. However you have a right to a refund when there is a major problem with something you bought. Australian shoppers are protected by Australian Consumer Law regardless of whether the items were bought domestically or internationally and from Australian or overseas websites. Consumer watchdog Choice's spokesman, Tom Godfrey, says shoppers should know their rights before they attempt to return goods. "If you received a gift that is broken or does not work as it is meant to, you can claim the refund or ask for it to be repaired or replaced," he says. Whoever takes the faulty item back has to make sure they can provide proof of purchase.