Taking time to shop around rather than giving in to the temptation of sales is the key to making Christmas cash go further, according to Consumer Direct.
A spokesman for the Government-funded advice service said: "We encourage people to shop around for quality and value and ask questions about refund policies."
He said buying a gift or clothes in the sale does not affect a customer's statutory rights if the item is faulty, not as described or not fit for purpose. But the contract is between the store and the person who paid for the item - not the recipient of a gift.
Additional protection offered by some stores can make all the difference if a gift does not fit or is not wanted.
The spokesman added: "A lot of people mistakenly believe they have the right to change a product simply because they don't want it. They may get a gift that is the wrong size.
"A lot of retailers will offer way above what their obligations are in the law so if you are buying a gift it's worth asking."
He said gift receipts - which do not show the price of the item - do not offer any additional legal protection but do provide proof of purchase.
Here are some tips from Consumer Direct:
Shop around for the best price before you buy. You may not be able to return something just because you have found a cheaper price elsewhere.
Remember you have no right to return shoes or clothes simply because they do not fit. So if you are buying for someone else and unsure if the item will fit, you may want to buy store vouchers instead.
Check products as soon as you get them home because if they are faulty your options for redress may depend on how quickly you complain.
Be wary of buying toys and games from temporary shops, markets or car boot sales as they may be unsafe or even counterfeit. Labels on toys and ratings on games will let you know which ages they are suitable for.