It’s Illegal For Minnesota Mail Carriers To Accept Any Of These Gifts

The holiday season is upon us and for those whose love language is gift-giving, it's the best time of the year.

While it's obvious that we will be exchanging gifts with family and close friends, this is also the time of year when many people like to show appreciation for other people who make their lives better.

For example, you may add an extra tip to the server at your favorite bar or restaurant, your hair stylist, or even have a gift for your kid's school bus driver.

Other people who deserve something extra during the holiday season are the men and women who deliver packages and mail well into the evening and during cold Minnesota weather. But, while it's very thoughtful to have a gift for time, be careful when it comes to gifting your mail carrier.

United States Postal Service Gift-Receiving Policy

When it comes to giving a gift to your mail carrier, it's important to note that while they are very deserving, they are also not Minnesota employees. Postal workers are federal employees, whose jobs fall under the Executive Branch of the government and therefore they must comply with its Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees.

According to the postal service, the following rule must be followed when it comes to receiving gifts:

"Carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. 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."

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What Should You Get Your Mail Carrier During The Holiday Season?

The federal rule on gifting your mail carrier rules out many quick and easy gift ideas, such as a gift card to grab lunch or a coffee, so you may wonder what you should give to your mail carrier to show appreciation.

While homemade gifts are always a nice touch, here are some other ideas you could have for your postal worker before the new year.

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