Every December, the same quiet question appears somewhere between the gift wrap and the grocery list: What do I give the people who keep my household running? Your mail carrier walks the same route in heat and rain. The delivery driver hauls your oversized boxes up the steps without complaint. The doorman signs for packages, and the superintendent shows up when the heater quits on the coldest night of the year. These are the people who make home life work, and the holidays are the natural moment to say thank you.
The trouble is that the rules aren't the same for everyone. Some workers can't accept cash at all, some rely on year-end tips as part of their income, and some fall somewhere in between. Here's how to handle each one with confidence.
Mail Carriers: Follow the Federal Rules
U.S. Postal Service employees are federal workers, which means they follow executive branch ethics standards.
That shapes what you can give.
- No cash, ever. Cash, checks, and gift cards that work like cash (such as prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards) aren't allowed in any amount.
- Gifts up to $20 are fine. A carrier may accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas.
- Store and restaurant gift cards count as gifts. A $15 card to a local coffee shop or a $20 card to a sandwich spot is acceptable, as long as it can't be converted to cash.
- There's an annual cap. A carrier can't accept more than $50 in total gifts from one customer in a calendar year.
Good options include a coffee gift card, a box of homemade cookies, hand warmers and lip balm for winter routes, or a handwritten card from your kids. A grocery gift certificate is another practical choice, since everyone has to stock the fridge during the holidays. A Perfect Feast general grocery certificate in a $15 or $20 value can be used at any U.S. grocery store and doesn't pay out cash for a remaining balance, which keeps it on the gift side of the line. Just keep the face value at $20 or less. If you want to go further without spending anything, submit a compliment about your carrier through USPS customer feedback. Those notes reach supervisors and can matter more than a gift.
Package Delivery Drivers: More Flexibility, Simpler Gestures
Drivers for UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and regional couriers work for private companies, and each company sets its own gift policy. Most allow modest gifts, and many drivers say the most welcome thank-you is something they can use right away during the busiest weeks of their year.
- Snack and drink station: A basket on the porch with bottled water, granola bars, and individually wrapped treats is a favorite. Add a sign so drivers know it's for them.
- Small cash or gift card: If you see the same driver regularly, $20 to $50 is a generous, common range. A gift card or grocery certificate is often the safer choice if you're unsure of their company's rules.
- App tips: Some delivery services, including grocery and food apps, let you tip directly in the app. Use it, and tip more generously during December.
Building Staff: Tips Are Expected and Appreciated
If you live in an apartment, co-op, or condo, holiday tips for building staff are a long-standing tradition, and in many buildings, they're part of staff compensation. Amounts vary by city, building size, and how much help you've received, but these ranges are a reasonable starting point:
Role | Typical Holiday Tip |
Superintendent | $75 – $200 |
Doorman / concierge | $50 – $150 each |
Handyman | $25 – $75 |
Porter | $20 – $50 |
Garage attendant | $25 – $100 |
Cash in a card is the norm here. Tip more if someone went out of their way for you this year, and tip within your means if money is tight; a sincere note with a smaller amount is still meaningful. Many buildings also run a shared holiday fund, so ask your management office before deciding how to give.
Other People Worth Remembering
Don't forget the regulars who don't fit neatly into a category: the newspaper carrier ($10 to $30), the trash and recycling crew (check your city's rules first, since some municipal workers face the same restrictions as postal carriers), and the house cleaner or dog walker (often a week's pay).
How to Make Your Thank-You Land
Timing and presentation matter almost as much as the amount. Give early in December, when workloads peak, rather than on Christmas Eve. Label anything you leave outside so it doesn't get mistaken for a package. And if you're baking a big batch for the neighbors anyway, set aside a few portions from your holiday spread; a plate of cookies wrapped up for the person who brings your mail every day can mean as much as anything store-bought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tip my mail carrier with cash? No. USPS employees can't accept cash, checks, or cash-equivalent gift cards in any amount. Gifts worth $20 or less, including store, restaurant, or grocery gift cards that can't be exchanged for cash, are allowed.
How much should I tip a UPS or FedEx driver? Private carriers set their own policies. A small gift, snacks, or $20 to $50 for a regular driver is a common, appreciated range.
How much do you tip a doorman for the holidays? Typically $50 to $150 per doorman, depending on your building, city, and how much they've helped you during the year.
Is it rude not to tip building staff? In many apartment buildings, holiday tips are an expected part of staff income. If your budget is tight, a smaller amount with a personal note is far better than nothing.
When should I give holiday tips? Early to mid-December is ideal. It shows appreciation during the busiest stretch, not after.
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