The only thing worse than getting a gift you can't use is a return policy that won't let you take it back to the store. This year some retailers are re-thinking those return policies to give you a break.

Returned merchandise is always a retail sticking point. There's the hassle of restocking, the potential loss of money, and even worse, the problem of fraud. This holiday season, return fraud is expected to reach more than $3.5 billion.

But in this weak economy, more retailers are taking a chance in the interest of getting your business.

"In past years, retailers have tightened up on return policies a little bit, trying to prevent return fraud, but this year with everybody competing on price, the question becomes: how do you stand out? And one way is by loosening return policies," said Scott Krugman of the National Retail Federation.

In a survey by the National Retail Federation, more than one in ten retailers - 11 percent - say they're loosening return policies for the holidays. That's up nearly 8 percent from last holiday season.

But more than half - 52 percent- say they're loosening their policies compared to the rest of the year-- a jump of 35 percent.

Just more than 17 percent say they're tightening policies compared to last holiday season. The majority - nearly 72 percent - say their holiday return policies will not change from last holiday seasons.

But don't expect big signs announcing the policy changes. If there's any chance what you're buying will be returned:

1. Ask the sales clerk before you buy.
2. Save all receipts for the duration of the return period.
3. If you're giving a gift, get a gift receipt.
4. Keep gifts in their original packaging.

The NRF says the most common changes you'll find will likely be extended periods of time to make a return, and more flexibility if you don't have a receipt.

But again, to avoid confusion, keep your receipts, remember security teams will be on higher alert for return fraud.

And, as I remind you every year at this time, by law retailers can have any return policy they want, but they must disclose the policies clearly. With more retailers in financial trouble this year, be prepared for some to tell you all sales are final.

More information:

Holiday Shopping, Circa 2008: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission