Michaels Return Policy

180 days

Yes (in-store)

Customer pays mail shipping

None

Not specifically extended

Custom framing, cut fabric, seasonal items after season, gift cards

Michaels gives you a generous 180 days to return most items — that's a full six months from the date of purchase. You'll want your receipt to get the smoothest experience, but the window itself is one of the longest in retail. Keep in mind that seasonal items are an exception: once the season ends, that return window closes with it. Custom framing, cut fabric, and gift cards are never returnable regardless of when you bought them. For everything else, 180 days is a lot of breathing room.

Michaels does allow returns without a receipt in many cases, but the process gets trickier. Without proof of purchase, the store may look up your transaction using a credit card, debit card, or loyalty account. If they can't verify the purchase, you'll likely receive a merchandise exchange or store credit at the current selling price — which could be less than what you paid. Bringing any proof of purchase, even a bank statement or email confirmation, will help your case significantly. Policies on receipt-free returns can vary slightly by location.

No, Michaels does not charge a restocking fee on returns. Whether you're returning in-store or by mail, you won't get dinged with a percentage deducted from your refund just for sending something back. The main costs to watch out for are return shipping fees if you're mailing an online order back — Michaels puts that shipping cost on the customer rather than covering it. But the refund itself won't be reduced by any restocking or handling charge, which keeps the return process cleaner than many other retailers.

Michaels doesn't publicly prohibit returns on opened items as a blanket policy, which means many opened products can be returned within the 180-day window. The practical reality is that condition matters — items that are clearly used up, damaged beyond defect, or missing components may be refused at a manager's discretion. Your best shot is to bring your receipt, have the item reasonably intact with original packaging if possible, and head to the store directly. Custom framing and cut fabric are hard non-returnable exceptions no matter the condition, opened or not.

Michaels does not have a specifically published holiday return extension. The standard 180-day return window applies year-round, so holiday purchases don't automatically get extra time beyond that. The one thing to watch during the holiday season is seasonal merchandise — Michaels treats seasonal items as time-sensitive, and once that season passes, those items are no longer eligible for return. So if you're buying holiday decorations or seasonal craft supplies as gifts, don't wait until after the holidays are over to decide whether to keep them.

Yes, Michaels allows you to return online orders at any physical store location, which is the easiest and cheapest way to handle it. In-store returns are free — you won't pay anything out of pocket. If you'd rather mail the item back, that's also an option, but Michaels puts the return shipping cost on you. Given that free in-store returns are available, bringing your online order to a Michaels location with your order confirmation or packing slip is the smarter move for most shoppers. The same 180-day return window applies either way.

Michaels does offer a military discount program, but the specific discount percentage and eligibility details are not included in our current verified policy data. Based on publicly available information, Michaels has historically offered discounts to active military, veterans, and their families, often requiring verification through a service like ID.me. For the most accurate and current details — including the exact discount amount and who qualifies — check directly with a Michaels store or visit the military discount section on michaels.com before your next purchase.

Michaels does have a price match policy, but the specific terms and which competitors qualify are not included in our current verified policy data. Historically, Michaels has matched prices on identical items from select competitors, but craft retailers often have restrictions around coupons, clearance pricing, and online-only deals. The details can vary and change over time. Your best move is to call your local Michaels or check their website directly before heading in — and bring proof of the lower price, like a screenshot, to make the process faster at checkout.

If you received a Michaels gift without a receipt or gift receipt, you're not completely out of luck. The store may be able to look up the original transaction if the buyer used a loyalty account or card. Without any purchase verification, you'll typically receive store credit or an exchange at the current selling price of the item — not necessarily what was originally paid. Gift cards themselves cannot be returned at all. Bringing the item in its original packaging improves your odds. Your best first step is talking to a store associate or manager directly, as outcomes can vary by location.

For a defective or damaged item, Michaels should process your return or exchange without much pushback, especially within the 180-day window. Bring the item and your receipt to any Michaels store — defective merchandise is a straightforward case for a refund or replacement. If you bought online and can't easily get to a store, you can mail it back, though you'll be responsible for return shipping costs. Document the defect before returning if possible (a photo helps). Custom framing and cut fabric are still non-returnable even if defective, so those situations may require a different resolution approach with store management.