Limited options available with regards to refunds

To whom it may concern, I recently received a gift which was purchased at the la senza sandton branch, although due to religious reasons I was unable to accept or use the purchased item which was a body suit. I as a result tried to return the item at la senza in cresta with the lady who purchased the gift for me. I dealt with head of sales on the floor, she gave me no other option other than to choose something else or take a gift card. I did not want anything at the store, yet she still refused refunding us with cash. I do understand the body suit included underwear, although a certain amount could have been deducted from the large amount which is now being wasted on a gift card that cannot be used. A large amount of money has been wasted and the situation was lightly dealt with, please get back to me with a possible solution.