I have a prediction to make about the days and weeks following Christmas 2009. With more Americans strapped for cash I have a feeling that more people will be wanting to return their Christmas gifts with hopes of getting money instead of that sweater, gadget or DVD. And I also have a feeling retailers aren’t going to like it. Stores like Target have already tightened their return policies, making it very difficult for shoppers to actually walk out with cash in their wallet and not just a gift card for future purchases. But what if that happens to you– what if a store won’t accept your return? Here are a few options:

1. Complain: Don’t like a store’s return policy? Let corporate know. If you feel you are being treated unfairly as a consumer then tell the higher-ups. Nothing may come of it, but you never know. Perhaps they’ll help you with your situation in order to keep you as a customer. But then again, maybe not.

2. Ask the Giver for the Original Receipt: These days even a gift receipt doesn’t guarantee the ability to return something with cash. Your best bet is having the original receipt in-hand. If you feel comfortable enough, ask the giver for the original receipt to make the process go more smoothly. You’ll have much better odds at getting money instead of a gift card.

3. Sell the item: If you can’t get cash from the store, try getting cash from someone else. List the item on Craigslist or eBay with hopes of getting a little money for your gift. This process may take a little longer and be more risky, but if you’re really desperate for cash– or you really don’t like the gift– then give it a shot.