Holiday No-No: What Michigan Postal Workers Can’t Receive as Gifts

Tis the season to show your appreciation for others by giving a little extra thanks or a small token of gratitude. In many cases, it’s about showing your appreciation to your local postal workers, whose hard work all year long makes life a little easier for everyone. However, there's something you should know before you start handing out gifts.

There’s plenty you can do for your local postal worker that doesn’t cost you a dime—things like keeping your dog secured, shoveling your driveway, clearing a path to your mailbox, or just making their route a little easier during the busy season.

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In many cases, we want to do more to show our gratitude, like giving the gift of cash, gift cards, or even small presents. But before you do, it’s important to know what’s allowed and what’s not when it comes to gifts for your local postal worker.

Gifts You're Not Allowed to Give to Michigan Postal Workers

When it comes to gift-giving and postal workers, cash is a no-go. According to the Postal Service, carriers are allowed to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, like Christmas. However, they are not permitted to accept cash or cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, regardless of the amount.

Your local postal worker can't accept more than $50 worth of gifts in a year. You’d have to have one amazing postal worker who comes to your house to want to give them a gift worth $50.

Don't put your postal worker at risk this holiday season,  just be kind and appreciative all year long. You’d be surprised at how far a little recognition and respect can go.