Seller lied, item arrived late. What can I do?

[bigpaws]

I ordered an item at the start of the Easter Holidays to entertain the kids. It was described as dispatched within 3 days of the Buy It Now; and posted First Class (which I paid a higher rate for of course).
2 days later it was marked as dispatched. A couple of other items I ordered at the same time from different sellers arrived.
Into the following week I raised my concerns with the seller as to why my item hadn't arrived since it had been posted first class. I was told to wait a few more days!?
After a week, I opened a case with EBay as 'not received item I paid for'. Yesterday the item arrived Second Class (which firstly pissed me off). Also, the date on the postage label was 8 days after sale (2 days after me opening the case).
I don't want the item now as the kids are back at school tomorrow. Also, I am so pissed off with the seller.
But what can I do? Please give me some suggestions. Things like this annoy me because I am so genuine and honest

Keep pursuing via eBay resolutions. You always have the ammunition of negative feedback. Don't accept anything less than a full repayment (and you returning goods)

Will I have to pay for returning the item though? Also, I would want to send it recorded - what if the seller lied and said he didn't receive the returned item?

I'd start by telling the seller why you are feeling so mad and ripped off, that the delay has rendered the item useless and that you'd like a refund. If they start saying you have to return it then ask for confirmation that all your postage will be refunded. If they say no then report them to dishonest postage charges and see if you can get a part or full refund without having to return it. Normally I would not ask for a refund without returning, but if a seller is dishonest then what do they expect?

you must return with a signature otherwise they could lie and say they haven't received it back.

ebay will not grant a partial refund for postal charges. The not received case can be changed to a not as described case and you could state it is too late now.

Go via the resolution centre.

The seller didn't send the item as described in the listing. So an easy "not received/not as described" case for eBay.

Just be clear with eBay about what you want as the solution (full refund and reimbursement for sending item recorded delivery back to the seller). Keep your receipt from the post office.