AS well as a time for giving and receiving, Christmas is also a time for taking back. Every year, without fail, you'll end up queuing with the thousands of others who want their money back or an exchange for unwanted or faulty gifts.

But do you have the right to demand this? Picture the scene: it's mid-afternoon on Christmas Day and you've just opened your present from great-aunt Maude.

Whether it's a hideous jumper, a CD you'd rather die than listen to or yet another pair of beige socks, it's going back first thing on Boxing Day, but you don't have the heart to ask for the receipt.

So what exactly are your rights as a consumer? Are you still entitled to exchange the gift without proof of purchase or can you demand a refund?

Des O'Brien, chair of the Institute of Consumer Affairs, says: "There are no rights. Most shops are quite reasonable but some aren't. The usual scenario at Christmas is you will get a gift duplicated or something that you never wanted and go back to the shop to get your money back.

The first question will be 'whose money? You don't have a receipt and I don't remember selling anything to you'. As a goodwill gesture, most shops will do something about it but you should always retain your receipt in case of problems.

"The bottom line is if you are buying presents, keep the receipt."

SHOPPING TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS

When you're buying presents, put the receipt in an envelope in the same bag, so if the recipient wants to change it, they won't have to face the embarrassment of asking.

Check gifts are working as soon as you buy them.

Remember; you have no right for refund if product is wrong size, colour or style or it's unwanted.

Check if the shop has a goodwill policy and will give you a refund, credit note or exchange goods in a set period, even if they are not faulty.

Goods must be of 'satisfactory quality', 'fit for purpose' and 'as described' under the Sale of Goods Act. If goods aren't, you can get a refund, provided you do this within a reasonable time.

You don't have to accept a credit note or vouchers if the goods are faulty or misdescribed and returned within reasonable time.

These rights apply to sale items -- unless they're marked as faulty.

If you buy something full price but it's in the sale when you try to

return it, shops only have to give you an exchange or refund at the lower price without a receipt.

When making a complaint, with proof of purchase, be sure of your facts. If you're not satisfied write a letter of complaint to their head office. If this fails, contact Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Bureau.