Melissa & Doug Return Shipping Costs & Refund Delays

I purchased the Melissa & Doug Dentist Play Set as a birthday present for my nephew. However, when I showed it to him, he didn't seem thrilled and said that his mom had already gotten him the same toy. I felt really down and ashamed because I hadn't disclosed my surprise gift plans to my sibling. I needed to return the product, so I contacted customer service to request a return label. I was taken aback when the customer representative informed me that I would be responsible for covering the cost of return shipping. I find this situation quite unreasonable and unjust - why am I being asked to cover the cost of return shipping during the designated return period? In addition, even though the item was returned for a refund two weeks ago, the refund has not been processed yet.