Five Ideal Tips for the Mail Delivery Person

Chances are high that the person who delivers your mail has been through more inclement weather than anyone really would care to. Sleet, rain, snow, or hail, nothing can stop the U.S. Mail...or something like that. You can be fairly certain that your mail delivery person has also seen or had to avoid some very trying situations (loose pets immediately comes to mind, but I am sure there are many other examples). When you are going to hundreds of people's homes each and every day, you are bound to come across some situations that are doozies. Yes, they chose that profession, but it is an honest one, and one that benefits each and everyone of us, so why not show your mail delivery person that you appreciate their efforts by giving them a nice tip for the holiday season. The following ten suggestions will help you to choose a gift or think of one of your own.

One: Cash. Money is a universally appreciated gift. If you are not in the mood to be creative or simply want to ensure that your tip is a hit, slip a five, ten, or better yet, twenty dollar bill into a holiday card and hand it to your mail person. Be careful not to put the card in your mailbox, assuming it will get picked up. There is a rare chance it could get mixed up with regular mail and not reach the person you have intended it to go to.

Two: A gift card or gift certificate. Second to cash, a gift card is a nice tip to receive. Just make sure that if you do not know your mail delivery person's personal tastes or style that you offer a generic card, such as one to a local restaurant or multi-faceted store, such as a department store, or even a Super Store. This will increase the likelihood that the card you have purchased is one the mail person will use and appreciate.

Three: Something edible. Food can be comforting, especially during the holiday season where certain holiday foods evoke childhood memories. So, this year, why not find a special treat, such as a bag of specialty chocolates, a nice container of holiday cookies, some assorted jellies or sauces in a gift pack, or something of the sort, and offer it to your mailman (or woman) for a tip. A word to the wise here, however, you want to make sure that the treat you are offering is store (or specialty) bought and sealed. This increases the likelihood that your treat will be enjoyed. Sometimes people have allergies or adversities to certain food items, and when baking or making them yourself, the delivery person will not know what has been used to create the treat, and thus will not be able to give it a try.

Four: If you know a personal preference of your mail delivery person, cater your holiday tip to match that preference. For example, if you know the person likes polar bears, for instance, put together a little gift with a stuffed polar bear holding a stick of Hershey's holiday kisses. Or if you know the mail delivery person likes to play on his or her computer for recreation, put together a nice little gift basket with blanks CDs or DVDs, and a Christmas Ornament shaped like a computer...or something else computer related. Anyway, you get the gist. This idea is for those who wish to get creative and make an extra special package for the one who always delivers their packages.

Five: Create a beverage package. You can purchase pre-made gift packs with coffee cups and small packages of coffee or tea, or you can create your own. Mail delivery people are out all day and can get thirsty, so if you have seen them drinking an energy drink or some other particular type of beverage, purchase a six pack of it and put a holiday card with it.

Whatever you decide to do, know that your efforts will more than likely be appreciated. I do not think many people know exactly how difficult the job of delivering mail and packages all day can be. Giving a little appreciation is a welcome thing to do, and what better excuse to do so, than during the holiday season.

Happy Giving.