"Being a thoughtful gift giver involves more than selecting the right color. These days, the nicest touch may be including a gift receipt or selecting a gift card that does not expire. Ask questions and read up on store policies before you buy. The legwork might seem like a pain, but it's better than having the money you spent go to waste. ConsumerReports.org has created a holiday shopping guide with useful information on everything from gift-card gotchas to return-policy pitfalls. (You need not be a subscriber to access it.) Here's some of the critical advice for gift givers and recipients: Be aware of strict time limits on returns. Not sure if you've picked out the computer your kid wants? Don't buy it too early -- you'll have just 14 days from the date of purchase to make an exchange at many electronics stores including Best Buy and CompUSA. Ask about extended return periods. Some stores treat everything bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 as a Dec. 24 purchase, so exchanges and returns can be made after the holidays (that still only gives you until Jan. 8 or Jan. 24, depending on the item); others, like Target, do shoppers no such favors. Be sure to circle the return deadline on the gift receipt so the recipient is aware. Always include a gift receipt and hold onto the original copy. Don't think of it as tacky -- it's actually the polite thing to do. Few stores will accept returns these days without documentation. In some cases, the gift receipt might not even be enough. Online return policies may differ from store policies. A retailer's Web site is a great place to read up on rules for returns, but be sure you note any differences for online purchases. Some retailers will accept returns of online orders in stores; others will not. Even the time period to make returns can be different. Fed up with return restrictions? Shop Nordstrom or L.L. Bean, two of the only retailers left that accept returns with virtually no conditions, says Mandy Walker, Consumer Reports senior editor. Give retail gift cards rather than bank cards. You might think you're doing loved ones a favor by giving a general-use gift card from Visa, American Express or even a mall. But those cards continue to have purchasing fees, expiration dates and dormancy charges, Consumer Reports found in a recent study. Gift cards from individual stores usually do not contain financial penalties. Whether giving or receiving, be sure to read the fine print. And, as always, hold onto the receipt, which is your only hope for replacing a lost or stolen card. Don't delay on online orders. Deadlines are rapidly approaching for guaranteed delivery by Dec. 23 (Christmas Eve is a Sunday this year). For some Web retailers, Dec. 9 is the last date you can order a gift with standard delivery. After that, you'll likely pay extra to get it there on time. If you're a procrastinator, it's worth shopping around -- other Web sites, including Figleaves.com, AmericanEagle.com and WalMart. com, offer standard shipping for Christmas delivery as late as Dec. 18 or 19. Place online orders with reputable retailers. Holidays are not the time to experiment with little-known sellers that don't have ratings or feedback on their Web sites. Best to buy from established merchants. Consumer Reports says to steer clear of these red flags: A seller who wants to be contacted by e-mail before you make the purchase or one that bypasses the usual online shopping cart and wants payment by wire transfer or some other outside method.

Make sure it's a keeper before you open the box. Especially with electronics, restocking fees may apply when you return an item that has been opened. Control yourself, or lose out
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