Michigan—Don’t Gift These Items to Your Postal Worker This Holiday

It's the holiday season, and that means that Michiganders are in the giving spirit.

Holiday Gift Giving

Between family and friends, you probably already have an extensive holiday gift shopping list. But what about the other people in your life that you want to show a little love and gratitude to?

I'm talking about your mail carrier.

Read Related: New Law Makes This Common Christmas Decoration Illegal in Michigan

If you're feeling generous, you might have your United States Postal Service (USPS) Worker on your gift shopping list. However, before you go out there and buy them a gift to say, 'thanks', there are some things you should know about what they can and cannot accept.

Can You Give a Gift to Your Mail Carrier in Michigan?

First and foremost, if you'd like to give them a gift, you totally can. But, there are certain guidelines on what they can accept as a gift.

For the exact specifications on what's allowed, we turn to the United States Postal Service "Employee Tipping and Gift-Receiving Policy". Keep in mind these rules apply to all USPS employees, but we're talking specifically about our mail carriers.

• Mail carriers may accept a one-time gift (like that given at Christmas) with a value of no more than $20
• Mail carriers CANNOT accept cash or cash equivalent, think gift cards or gift certificates
• Mail carriers cannot accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period. So if you gave your postal worker a really nice President's Day gift, keep that in mind this Christmas

So no gift cards or cash, but you can give a small gift. With that in mind, what a mail carrier really appreciate this Christmas? Maybe a nice hat, some hand warmers, or thick socks? Food for thought...