AS consumers, we are surrounded by a wealth of possibilities, particularly around Christmas when the shops are full of tempting presents.

Many of us spend a lot of time and hard-earned cash trying to get just the right present and, of course, we sometimes get it wrong, be it buying at one of our region’s excellent shopping centres or purchasing online.

But what happens if you, or someone you know, has bought a gift, thoughtfully kept the receipt and then wants to return it?

Well, you might be surprised to learn that refunds are not an automatic right. Of course, you can always exchange the item but you can’t demand a refund if the present is the wrong size, colour or if you change your mind.

Some retailers will give a refund but, remember, it is at their discretion.

It’s a different matter if the consumer guarantee is not met but, in reality, what does this mean?

Firstly, the business you buy the product from guarantees that it is of acceptable quality and is fit for a specific purpose (a cricket bat, for example, should not break after hitting your first boundary). The business must also provide an accurate description of the product and the purchased item must be at least equivalent to the one displayed.

You can find out more about goods and services guarantees at accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2272/kw/consumer%20gurantees#!tabs-2

Toy safety

Parents should pay particular attention to the “Five S’s” of toy safety, which are:

• Size: the smaller the child the bigger the toy (anything the size of a ping pong ball is too small for a child under three).
• Shape: be wary of products that may be easily swallowed or have sharp edges or points.
• Surface: make sure all finishes are non-toxic, which should be stated on the packaging.
• Strings: anything over 30cm is a strangulation hazard for a small child and should be removed.
• Supervision: nothing replaces close supervision.

Gift cards

IF, like me, you have a difficult relative to buy a present for then a gift card can be a lifesaver, although they do come with some considerations.

The most important is to check if the gift card has an expiry date or terms and conditions that might make it difficult to use, such as exclusions or a spending limit. And can you get change if you do not spend the full amount?

Keep in mind that gift cards can be hard to replace if lost or stolen and it is wise to treat them as you would cash.

So, in the hope that these simple tips will make the big day less stressful, I wish you a safe and joyful Christmas.