Can You Legally Leave a Mail Carrier in Louisiana a Gift For The Holidays?

People in Louisiana may be the most gracious folks in the country and we take pride in gifting those who assist us or serve us throughout the year.

As the holidays approach, many of us will be gifting those that we are close to and that includes our mail carriers.

I can recall my parents gifting our mail carrier every holiday season when I was a kid and I thought that it was so cool to leave something for the mail carrier every year. Of course, the gift was never over the top, but I do recall leaving a card or even candy some years.

I also remember someone telling me while I was a kid that you can't just put anything in a mailbox. There are rules and regulations and compromising a mailbox could be a serious offense.

So, as we move through the holiday season, can we leave our mail carrier something in our mailbox? And if so, what can they legally accept?

Well, the good news is you can leave your mail carrier a gift for the holidays, but there are some restrictions.

According to the website USPS.com mail carriers are allowed to accept gifts valued at $20 or less per occasion. You cannot leave them gift cards associated with banks or anything other type of card that can be redeemed for cash.

We should note here that a mail carrier may not accept more than $50 worth of gifts from someone in a given calendar year.

You are also not allowed to leave alcoholic beverages for your mail carrier, but things like Christmas cards, gloves, coffee mugs, candy, or gift cards to coffee shops ore restaurants are allowed.

So, if you've developed a relationship with your postal delivery person and wish to leave them a gift this holiday season, keep these guidelines in mind and be sure to wish them the best this holiday season.

With so many people now shopping online, delivery persons are working harder these days and many are working longer hours, so show them your appreciation this Christmas, even if it comes in the form of a letter or card.