Is it customary to give your postal worker, newspaper carrier, garbage pickup people a gift?

Question

I live in an apartment and never see these people. I see the mailman, but it seems as if we have a different one each week. Do I buy them gifts and if so, what? I don't like giving food as a gift as it seems as if we eat so much this time of year anyway.

Answer 1

U.S. postal workers make a good living and aren't allowed to accept a gift of more than $20. We don't tip them because they make good money.

Garbage pickup, I never see them and wouldn't want to have to tie a gift/tip to the trash buckets so no I won't be doing that.

Paper carrier, yes. The make very little money and with gas prices, only one day a yr off and wear and tear on their vehicles they need every bit they can get.

Answer 2

It was customary back in the old days when people actually interacted with these people and everyone knew each other. Nowadays it isn't done as much. And folks aren't as appreciative or social anymore so it can come off as a threat to some even if that's not your intention.

At least where I live, there was a notice that went out to everyone a couple years ago saying that postal workers were not allowed to receive any gifts because they might be bombs or poison or whatever. The garbage people here don't deserve anything in my opinion until they learn how not to throw the can in the middle of the street or the neighbor's yard after they empty it.

So it's not mandatory but you can do so if you choose and are able to afford it.

Answer 3

NO it is not customary to give a gift to your postal worker. I think if you want to give something you can give a scarf and glove set that would be good for either a girl or a boy. Also consider a gift card to starbuck, because it will be getting real cold. However, in your case I don't think you should since you dont see them and they change each week.

Answer 4

I used to be a newspaper carrier. want you can do give thema christmas card with little money and big amount. I did and mailman my grandma does but usually a christmas card and some money in it. But it really depends on you and want you think it right to do. Yesterday I was in a drive thru at McDonalds to get supper for my two boys and someone in front of me in car paid for the supper and told the cashier to wish me a merry christmas. I don't know who that person is but she paid my order for my kids.. I am thankful for that..

Answer 5

in your situation, i don't think it's necessary. i live in a small town and see all of these people daily and Lord knows---it's the same folks, year after year. i give them gifts, but if i don't, they'll stare me down in the grocery store (LOL :-) But in an apartment building where you never see these people i don't feel like you owe them an individual gift, just think if all the people they perform the service for gave them a gift===they would be loaded down! Happy Holidays

Answer 6

actually, mail carriers are not allowed to accept money. it's a federal regulation. but i'm sure they won't mind...or tell! (my father-in-law was a mailman for 25 years.) i think people in apartments can be exempt from this sort of thing. but do your babysitter or hairdresser a favor and give them a "holiday bonus" for working with you all year. and if you have a "regular" waitress at a local restaurant, make sure to give her a little bigger tip sometime this month... i can tell you from experience how much it is appreciated.

Answer 7

Hummmm.... I have heard of some people doing this if they are on a first name basis but I have never done it personally.

Answer 8

If you don't really see them, don't worry about it. I think it would be ok.

Answer 9

You don't HAVE to do this if you choose not to. It's not mandatory.