Christmas Day is almost upon us and hopefully all the presents are bought and wrapped. However, when the big day arrives, what can you do if your presents aren't perfect or you don't like that jumper your aunty bought you? Here are six tips from City of York Trading Standards to help you sort out present problems and unwanted gifts.

- Remember to take your receipt or other proof of purchase with you when returning goods. By law, goods can be returned for a refund if you act quickly, but only if the items in question are faulty, misdescribed, or are not fit for the purpose for which they were purchased.

- In general, if someone buys you a gift that turns out to be faulty, it is the purchaser who has legal rights, not you. If you are giving someone a gift, you can authorise them to deal with any problem by naming them as the recipient on the receipt or invoice, if the trader agrees. If not, then you will have to return the goods for them.

- You are not entitled to a refund (or exchange) simply because, for example, you do not like your gift, it doesn't suit you, you have just changed your mind, or you have seen the same goods at a reduced price

- In the sales, most retailers will offer a refund, exchange or credit note in these circumstances, but they are not obliged to so you cannot insist.

- If you have bought goods costing £100 or more and paid any part of this sum by credit card, you have legal rights against the card issuer as well as the shop if the goods are faulty or misdescribed.

- New legislation covering mail order shopping gives you seven working days after the day on which you receive goods to return unwanted goods (certain goods excluded). Providing you write to the trader to cancel the order within this time limit, the seller must refund your money within 30 days.

For furher advice contact City of York trading standards on 01904 551562 or call at 9 St Leonard's Place. Fax number is 01904 551590 and the e-mail address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk.