Whether you miscalculated your teenager's musical tastes (who knew Blink-182 is so yesterday?) or received something that just isn't "you," stores are getting tougher about what they'll allow you to return for either a refund or store credit. "Retailers walk a fine line between making customers happy and getting socked with piles of used merchandise they can't resell," says Lauren Freedman, president of the E-tailing Group, a Chicago retailing consultancy. Don't want to get stuck with that yellow ceramic rooster teapot? These tips—and a little homework—can help you sail through the return lines and leave the store satisfied.Know the rules. It's not enough to understand a store's return policy. Individual departments often have their own restrictions. For example, Costco, widely regarded as having one of the most liberal policies around (you could return anything at any time, no questions asked), last year imposed a 90-day limit on electronics products such as camcorders, TVs, iPods, computers and cell phones. And JCPenney won't take back furniture, or special-occasion dresses that aren't in their original condition with the return tag. At Wal-Mart, return rules depend on the product: shoes, apparel and accessories get 90 days, but computer hardware only 15 days. If you have a receipt (even a gift one), check it—front and back—or go online to review the store's guidelines. Keep the receipt and packaging. Stores have struggled with increasing fraud, including organized crime rings that steal merchandise and then bring it back for a cash refund, according to Joseph LaRocca, vice president of loss prevention for the National Retail Federation. That's one reason retailers are usually more lenient if you have the receipt. Also, don't tear off packaging or tags if you're unsure about keeping an item. Some stores, including Best Buy and Circuit City, impose a 15 percent restocking fee on opened merchandise to dissuade customers from "renting" electronics such as camcorders or big-screen TVs for special events and then returning them. Beware of online exceptions.You'd think that if you bought at www.macys.com and changed your mind, you could take the item back to a Macy's store. That's true—unless you bought jewelry or an area rug: These products are returnable by mail only. At Barnes & Noble, books bought in-store are eligible for a refund, but books bought online and returned to the store get store credit only. Check the website's policy, found under "Help" or "Customer Service." Be insistent. What if your return falls outside a store's return policy? Don't give up. You still have options. Ed Brodow, author of Negotiation Boot Camp, advises flagging down a manager and saying, "I didn't realize you don't accept returns after fourteen days. I've been a loyal customer for years and would appreciate your taking this back." If you get a no, persist. "You're probably dealing with a busy person who may say yes just to get rid of you," Brodow says. Or try a different branch of the same store—you may find a more sympathetic manager. Don't get return-happy. Many stores track your return activity. Do it too often and your file could be red-flagged. Sports Authority, The Limited and KB Toys, for example, all use Verify-1, software that scans your driver's license each time you bring an item back. If you exceed a dollar limit or quantity of items within a certain period of time, the program instructs cashiers either to refuse your return or speak to a manager. Each retailer sets its own parameters for what's excessive, but you can request a copy of your own report by emailing the company that makes Verify-1 (www.thereturnexchange.com).Can't return it? Don't junk it. If the store won't take your item back, you still have options. Give castoffs to charity or sell them online. Sales volume on eBay rises slightly over the three months following the holidays, according to company figures. Items most in demand include new toys and electronics. While posting your rejects, snap up some bargains for next year.The Real Deal with Gift CardsSure, they're easy and convenient, but they have hidden rules that can cost you later.You're probably happy to get a gift card from your Aunt Helen instead of another set of trivets, but keep in mind that it's not just extra cash in your purse. Gift cards come loaded with "gotchas"—so much so that the industry has come under fire from the Federal Trade Commission, and the Montgomery County, MD, Office of Consumer Protection issues an annual gift-card watchdog report. Among regulators' beefs: hidden fees and expiration dates. Also, the cards are not returnable in most cases, so choose your store carefully. An alternative is a preloaded credit card, but these come with up-front fees of $2 to $10. Before buying any card, ask the salesperson the following questions:

1. Are there up-front fees or shipping charges for mail and online orders? If you don't get this information, you could wind up paying a lot more for a $20 gift card.
2. Does the card expire? Some do. In most states, Blockbuster, Bloomingdale's and Macy's cards expire if you go two years without using them.
3. Are fees imposed if I don't use it within a certain period? The American Express Gift Card for Kids charges $2 a month after a year.
4. Can I get a replacement for a lost or stolen card? You'll need the proof of purchase or a card number, so jot down all its information.