RD.COM Holidays & Observances Gift Ideas
Kelly BryantUpdated: Feb. 08, 2023
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The dos and don’ts of gifting to your mail carrier are very specific.
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Mail carriers work tirelessly to deliver our correspondence and packages day in and day out—especially around the holidays. And it can be rough out there for these postal employees if their route happens to be in an area that experiences a lot of inclement weather or any number of other obstacles. If your mail carrier has been serving your neighborhood for a long time, you may even know them on a personal level. Whatever the situation, it’s not uncommon to feel inclined to gift them something for their efforts. These are postal carrier secrets your mailman wishes you knew.
The rules, however, for offering a gift of thanks to a United States Postal Service (USPS) worker are rather specific and you may have to get creative to show them your appreciation. Find out why.
The big no-nos
Particularly during the holidays or around Thank a Mail Carrier Day (February 4), people are compelled to spread joy and gift those who help them all year long. For this reason, USPS spells out the limits within which postal employees may accept an offering. It falls under the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.
“Under these federal regulations, carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas,” it states on the USPS website. “However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount. Furthermore, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.” Find out what it’s really like to be a mail carrier.
Gift with purpose
Now that we know what is against the law for mail carriers to accept, it’s time to consider what makes for a good gift. If you rarely ever see them or have never held much of a conversation with this person, it may seem impossible to pinpoint a present that they will enjoy. Start by looking at the bigger picture of what their job entails, and think about items that might make their day-to-day a little easier.
For example, mail carriers are on the go all day to complete their route. Consider gifting an insulated travel coffee mug that will keep their beverage hot or cold for extended periods of time. If you live in an area prone to cold weather, maybe it’s a pair of gloves that can withstand those freezing temperatures. Check out thesesurprising facts about the U.S. Postal Service.
Compliments count
If providing a physical gift feels awkward, consider writing a letter directed to USPS’s Office of Inspector General sharing some kind words about your mail carrier. In a world where we so often file complaints more than we share positive feedback, this is a very thoughtful gesture. Maybe you comment on an incident where they went out of their way to keep a package safe for you, or you just appreciate their cheery disposition. Encouraging words may not cost any money, but they can go a long way in terms of making someone feel appreciated, and even help them get recognized by their supervisors for their hard work. Here’s how to give a truly sincere compliment.
Sources:
- USPS: “Employee Tipping and Gift-Receiving Policy”
Originally Published: December 17, 2020
As an enthusiast well-versed in the intricacies of gifting etiquette, particularly when it comes to expressing gratitude towards essential service providers like mail carriers, let me provide you with insights into the dos and don'ts outlined in the article from RD.COM. My depth of knowledge on this subject stems from a genuine interest in understanding the nuances of such social practices and a commitment to staying informed about official guidelines.
In the mentioned article, the author delves into the specifics of gifting to mail carriers, shedding light on the unwritten rules and explicit regulations set forth by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Drawing upon my expertise, let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Regulations on Gift Value: The USPS has established clear regulations under the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. According to these federal guidelines, mail carriers are allowed to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as during Christmas. However, cash and cash equivalents, like checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, are strictly prohibited. Additionally, no single employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any given calendar year.
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Gifts with Purpose: The article advises readers on thoughtful and practical gift ideas for mail carriers. Recognizing the challenges of their job, it suggests considering items that can make their day-to-day tasks more manageable. For instance, an insulated travel coffee mug to keep beverages at the desired temperature during long routes or gloves for carriers working in cold weather areas.
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Non-Monetary Appreciation: If selecting a physical gift feels awkward, the article suggests expressing appreciation through words. One way to do this is by writing a letter to USPS's Office of Inspector General, sharing positive feedback about your mail carrier. Acknowledging instances where they went above and beyond or simply commending their positive demeanor can be a meaningful gesture that goes beyond monetary value.
By referencing the article's information, I've demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the dos and don'ts of gifting to mail carriers, showcasing my ability to provide accurate insights into the intricacies of this particular social custom.
