With one in four Americans visiting Target every month, it’s clear to see that it is one of the most popular stores in the country.
They stock a wide variety of products including a huge range of toys and children’s items.
If you’ve purchased a toy from Target, whether that be something from LEGO, Hot Wheels, or perhaps a games console, you may be wondering what their returns policy is if you need to return a product to them.
You can return a toy to Target for all manner of reasons including:
- If it’s an unwanted gift
- It was ordered mistakenly
- It’s broken or faulty
- It’s not as expected
This article will cover Target’s toy returns policy in detail including how long you have to make a return, whether you need a receipt, what to do if you’re outside the returns window, and much more.
Keep reading to find out…
What is Target’s Toy Return Policy? The Short Answer
Target’s return policy for toys is 90 days from the date of purchase or invoice. You should return your item to Target within this period for a full refund or exchange.
There are some exceptions under the toy category that we’ll come onto below.
Are There Any Exceptions to the 90-Day Returns Window?
Yes, there are several exceptions for certain toys and other goods.
For example, open or defective sports cards, special edition Barbies, action figures, die-cast cars, and porcelain dolls can’t be returned.
You should note that electronics also have a reduced returns window of 30 days.
This will probably apply to game consoles and also children’s themed electronics such as themed stereos, tablets, or computers so remember to bear this in mind.
You should further note that the returns window is shortened to 15 days for Apple products which is worth knowing if you’ve bought your child something like an Apple iPad but want to return it.
We’d suggest speaking to someone through Target’s help center if you have any doubts or queries.
Can I Return Toys to Target Without a Receipt?
Target’s policy is that you should generally return all items purchased with your receipt or invoice.
If you haven’t got these then Target can trace your purchase through these credit cards if you purchased with them:
- Target Red Card
- Master Card
- Visa
- American Express
- Discover
If you’re unable to provide any of these as proof of purchase then Target’s policy is that they will refund you through a merchandise gift card to use in-store.
How to Return Toys to Target
You can return the product to any of Target’s stores by bringing the product along and presenting it to the front desk with your invoice/receipt.
You can also use the online process by doing this following:
- Go to your Target account
- Find your purchase history in the orders history
- Pick the return option
- Print off the UPS label and drop off the toy at your nearest UPS drop box
The UPS label includes free returns delivery so you won’t need to pay anything.
There is also no restocking fee.
Related Article:
Target Book Returns Policy
No Packaging, Box, or Accessories: What to Do?
The express wording of Target’s policy is that you should return your toy with all of the packaging and accessories in a “like new condition” and also unopened.
If you’re missing any of the packaging you still may be ok, especially if you’re returning due to a fault with the product, but we’d recommend contacting them in advance of making your return.
However, if you’ve lost key accessories or parts, then you’re likely to encounter more difficulties and fall foul of Target’s policy and be refused a refund or exchange.
For lost accessories or parts we’d speak to Target’s staff in advance using the help center.
What to do if Target’s 90-day Window Has Expired?
You have a few options if the 90-day window has already elapsed.
Firstly you could try speaking to them to see if there’s any flexibility to extend the returns window slightly which may be possible if it’s only just expired.
Another option is to rely on the warranty which will usually cover toys that develop faults or are inherently defective.
However, you may be required to deal with the manufacturer directly in this case.
You could also claim off your insurance policy if it covers accidental damage, refund protection, or fault protection.
However, we’d suggest only going down this route if it’s an expensive toy, such as that $500 Star Wars LEGO Death Star, otherwise you’ll end up increasing your premiums and having to pay an excess. For most people, it’s simply not worth it!
You could also sell the toy on a website like eBay, Facebook marketplace, or Craig’s List. Second toys are very saleable.
How Does Target’s Returns Window Measure Up?
We’ve made a competitor comparison to see what Target’s returns policy is up to next to its main competition:
| Store | Window |
| Walmart | 90 days |
| Costco | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
| Toys R Us | 60 days |
| Kohl’s | 180 days |
Target’s 90-day returns window is fairly bog standard and nothing to shout about.
Costco’s policy is clearly the most generous as you can return toys to them at any time as part of their 100% satisfaction guarantee policy.
Final Thoughts
Target offers a fairly standard returns policy for returning toys for a refund or purchase.
You can make returns both in-store or using the online process if you want a more convenient option without having to travel as far.
Even if you’re outside the 90-day window there are still other options as we’ve already covered. Remember to check your warranty documents if your product has developed a fault.
Failing that, the second-hand toy market is huge and we’ve found that you can sell most toys for close to retail value, especially if the toy is unopened and unused.
