As we celebrate the holiday season, it’s important not to overlook those individuals who play crucial roles in our daily lives.

One such everyday hero is your mail carrier, who’s charged with delivering everything from important bills to paychecks and packages from loved ones (or the occasional self-treat from Amazon).

The holidays are an important time to show appreciation for postal workers, particularly considering recent struggles that have plagued the profession.

As the Denver Gazette previously reported, Robberies and assaults on mail carriers in the Denver metro area are already up 350% in 2023 over last year. Additionally, the U.S. Postal Service has dealt with finance issues in recent years which have had adverse effects throughout its structure.

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for USPS and its workers, which makes it an even more important time to show one’s appreciation.

Before you buy a gift, however, it’s important to know the rules governing gifts to postal workers.  

As published by the USPS, all postal employees, including carriers, must comply with 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. 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.

Items to avoid gifting your mail carrier:

• Cash
• Checks
• Stocks
• Liquor
• Anything that can be exchanged for cash
• Anything of monetary value more than $20

What gifts are acceptable to give my mail carrier?

• Homemade gifts
• Baked Goods (cookies, cupcakes, muffins, cakes)
• Light refreshments (soft drinks, sealed coffee drinks, small snacks)
• Warm weather accessories (hats, scarves gloves)
• On the go drink containers like a water bottle or travel mug
• Gift Cards worth $20 or less that cannot be exchanged for cash
• A handwritten card thanking them for what they do. Additionally, you can submit positive feedback on the USPS website.

When extending your heartfelt thanks to mail carriers this holiday season, it’s important to choose gifts that show gratitude and appreciation, while at the same time avoiding compromise to their commitment to ethical conduct and commitment to service.