Things that tick me off: Idiotic return policies

So like most people, I got some presents I didn't want, can't use, our couldn't transport. I thought I'd exchange them for something more useful. Whenever I try this, I encounter the most illogical policies imaginable.

Story 1:
Let's start with 8 months ago, when I went to target to return a gift that was on a gift registry. (b/c we got 2 of them and Target didn't notice)

We walk into the store with this box from Target.com and the packing slip, and a copy of our registry.

The Target lady proceeds to tell us we can't exchange the item without a gift receipt. We point out that we have the packing slip and that it was clearly a gift from this registry (see how it says received?).
"Blah Blah Blah, you can't return w/o a receipt. "
"But you have the packing slip. You know it's a Target Purchase"
"I have a 3 page list of things I asked people to buy from YOUR store and you won't return this without a receipt? What if it happens again?"
"Ask for a gift receipt"

What kind of answer is that? But the policy makes no sense. I don't shop at Target very often anymore and never for gifts now.

Story 2:
We received an item from Lowe's that was large and not easy to bring home. Since we were right by a Lowe's I figured we'd return in for store credit and get it at the Lowe's at home. I wanted the item.

This item was bought from Lowes.com. There was a packing receipt attached. The store refused to give us store credit, but was willing to refund the credit card that purchased it.
"But it was a gift, we didn't buy it"
"That's how the system works"
"You can't give us a store credit?"
"No"
So they refunded the card, and since it's a family member we'll work it out between us. However, Lowe's is now on my list of places not to shop, especially for gifts. We WON'T be buying the replacement for what we returned from Lowe's (Congratulations Lowe's, you gave Home Depot a sale, and you got nothing but a ticked off customer)

These stores need to think, if something is unopened in its original packaging and clearly from their store (Target brand anyone?), they need to offer store credit. Especially the day after Christmas.

This is just one more reason why Costco is awesome with their no questions return policy (90 days on electronics, which is fair).