If that present arrived safely but turned out not to be working, what are the rules when it comes to returning faulty goods?
One in four of us is unaware that it's the retailer who's responsible if a product turns out to be not working properly or just plain defective.
Most consumers are unsure of their rights - and that's backed up by new research by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the State body that oversees and protects your consumer rights. When shoppers were asked, more than a fifth named the retailer, the warranty provider and the manufacturer as sharing responsibility.
But no matter how long a shop or manufacturer's guarantee lasts, consumers here are protected by law for up to six years after buying goods that are faulty. And it's the shop where the item was bought that is responsible for resolving the matter.
These rights are strongest in the first 30 days and the first year after buying something. While warranties may offer added protection, it's important to know that these are different from your statutory consumer rights.
The CCPC research shows that almost half of people (45%) believe the return period for a faulty item depends on the length of the guarantee, not realising they have statutory rights. A similar number (43%) thought they had only 28 days to return faulty goods.
Even if something isn't faulty you have rights. All online purchases benefit from a 14-day cancellation window, or 'cooling-off' period, plus 14 days to return items. When buying in-store, policies vary and shops are not obliged to accept returns unless the item is faulty. Consumers should check the 'change-of-mind returns' policy.
CCPC director Gráinne Griffin is encouraging people to know their rights and who to go to if an item is faulty.
"Regardless of whether you have a guarantee or warranty, if a retailer sells you a faulty item, they are responsible for resolving the issue - you do not have to deal with the manufacturer or warranty provider," she said.
A third of consumers would regift unwanted presents if they did not have the receipt, with clear differences between men and women, the research also found. Regifting is more common among women than men - 35% versus 24% - and more men than women would use the gift anyway, at 23% versus 12%.
(Pic: Getty Images)
