Don’t Leave Cash Or Gift Cards For Your East Texas Postal Carrier

Don't go off the rails just yet. I'm not being a jerk. Go with me on this one.

I know that gift cards and/or cash are very practical gifts, especially at Christmas. You give these as gifts, and the recipient is free to choose what they would like to buy themselves. Then, you don't have to worry about getting them an incorrect gift that they'll have to exchange later.

However, these are not the ideal gifts to give your local postal carrier. Lots of people like to show appreciation for the mail person. And why not? They're out there in all different kinds of weather making sure that that latest Amazon package arrives safely at your address.

Just keep this in mind: DO NOT LEAVE THEM CASH TIPS OR GIFT CARDS.

Again, I'm not being a jerk. They just aren't allowed to accept these as gifts. Don't believe me? Check out this official statement from the United States Postal Service website:

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.

So, if you're looking to get them something for Christmas, make sure that you keep the gift under $20. That way, they stay out of trouble, and you get to keep your favorite mail person.