Benjamin Teo
Every Christmas, it’s tradition to give our favourite posties a little thank-you gift – a way of showing we appreciate the countless letters, parcels, and even the occasional heavy package they deliver all year. Whether it’s a festive treat, a small token, or a handwritten note, these gestures go a long way in letting posties know their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed (especially during the holiday rush). But before you leave a gift by the letterbox, it’s worth knowing the do’s and don’ts around what’s allowed – as not every present is fair game. Here’s a quick guide to keep things merry and above board for Australia Post’s finest!
What’s A Postie? “Postie” is commonly used in Australia (Auspost), New Zealand, and the UK to refer to postal workers like postmen and postwomen. It’s an affectionate, everyday nickname that reflects the essential role these postal workers play in delivering mail and packages to homes and businesses.
📬 So, What Do I Give My Postie For Christmas?
Are you wondering what’s allowed when gifting your postie this Christmas? Australia Post has guidelines, so while cash and high-value items are out, thoughtful, small gifts under $75 AUD—like snacks, thank-you cards, or practical items—are generally permitted.
Permitted Gift Types
🍫 Snack Mixes and Non-Perishable Food Items
Small packs of mixed nuts, protein bars, or individually wrapped chocolates are perfect for on-the-go fuel. Aim for snacks that won’t melt or get crushed easily in a postie’s bag – these treats provide a quick pick-me-up during a busy day.
🥤 Drinks
Consider adding electrolyte packets or flavoured hydration tabs. These easy-to-carry drink options give posties a quick energy boost and are refreshing for a long delivery route. Bottled water or boxed juices also work, but portability and hydration boosts are key!
🧤 Practical Items
A “postie essentials kit” with weatherproof gloves, a pocket-sized hand cream for dry hands, sunscreen, and tissues can make all the difference. Winter or summer, small practical items like these help posties stay comfortable and prepared.
🍪 Homemade Treats
Homemade treats like cookies or brownies are usually appreciated if you’re confident they’ll travel well and are clearly labelled.
💌 Personalised Notes or Cards
A handwritten note or thank you card can mean the world to a postie. A short message saying “Thanks to the world’s best postman” or “You’re our favourite postwoman” adds a special touch.
Prohibited Gift Types
💵 Cash and Gift Cards
Unfortunately, cash or gift cards are generally off-limits, as they could give the impression of influence or tip the value guidelines.
🍷 Alcoholic Beverages
These are best avoided, as many postal services have policies against accepting alcohol.
🎁 High-Value Gifts
Gifts over $75 AUD are discouraged. At the same time, anything over $300 AUD is likely to be refused and possibly reported to prevent any appearance of impropriety.
Legal and Policy Considerations
📦 Australia Post and Courier Company Policies
Many companies, like Australia Post, have strict gift guidelines, especially regarding cash or high-value items.
👮 Public Employee Rules
For government services, policies prevent gifts that might suggest undue influence or favouritism.
📑 Reporting Requirements
Gifts over $75 must typically be reported, and anything over $300 should generally be declined altogether.
📜 Gift-Giving Guidelines and Traditions: Past and Present
A few decades ago, gifts for posties had a cosy, homemade feel – think baked goods, garden fruits, and even small cash tips. But in recent years, gift-giving trends have shifted to practical, easy-to-carry items like snack mixes, bottled drinks, and mini “holiday survival kits.” While appreciation remains the same, today’s gifts are all about convenience, consumability, and staying within policy limits.
| A Few Decades Ago | Recent Years |
|---|---|
| 🍞 Homemade baked goods | Gift cards (though officially not allowed) |
| 💵 Small cash tips | Snack mixes and packaged foods |
| ✉️ Handwritten thank-you notes | Drinks (bottled water, juice boxes) |
| 🍒 Fruit from home gardens | Small, practical items (e.g., gloves, hand sanitiser) |
| 🥫 Home-preserved jams or pickles | “Holiday survival kits” with travel-size essentials |
| 🖌️ Handmade crafts | Personalised cards or notes |
| 🍮 Christmas puddings | Chocolate |
| ☕ Tea or coffee | Postal-themed Christmas tree decorations |
🎁 Most Popular Ways to Give Gifts
📬 Mailbox Drop-Offs
“This classic method involves leaving small items like a ‘thank you’ card or snack in the mailbox for a fun little surprise.”
🆒 Grab-and-Go Stations
“A newer trend involves setting out a tub or cooler near the doorstep with treats or drinks, marked with a sign for delivery drivers to help themselves.”
🤝 Direct Hand-Offs
For those who happen to catch their postie at the right moment, giving a gift in person can be a great way to say ‘thanks.’ It’s also a lovely chance to chat briefly and wish them a happy holiday.
🎁 Holiday-Themed Packages
“Many people choose to put together small holiday-themed parcels for Christmas (or even Easter), complete with festive decor, a mug for their favourite postie, or a fun novelty keychain. This adds an extra touch of seasonal cheer to their thank-you gift.”
📖 Postie Gifts – Real Stories From Around The World
There’s no shortage of funny, thoughtful, and downright surprising gifts people have given their posties over the years. Here’s a peek into some of the more memorable ones – from classic holiday treats to quirky surprises. These stories were curated from Reddit.com.
😄 Funny and Unusual Gift
- One postal worker remembers an elderly lady who gifted them a single red onion straight from her grocery bag of onions as a Christmas tip. Another customer had a similar “fresh produce” vibe, handing over a bunch of carrots still covered in dirt (and the odd bug) for a seasonal surprise.
- Another postie had to politely decline a customer’s gift of a garbage disposal for the sink—a rather ambitious present! Then there was the bar of soap left by a customer, which had the mail carrier wondering if it was simply a practical gift or maybe a hint about their hygiene!
🎁 Thoughtful and Appreciated Gifts
- One lovely customer regularly left garden-grown zucchini in the mailbox with the flag up, which the postie greatly appreciated – a small gesture that made each delivery a bit sweeter.
- Some customers opt for more indulgent presents, like a box of European chocolate received by one lucky postal worker during the holidays or a “holiday survival kit” packed with essentials like travel-size hand lotion, tissues, and candy—a practical and caring touch that shows just how much the customer appreciates their postie’s hard work.
Personalised thank-you cards with candy bars and snacks were another popular gift, and they always brightened the day for posties who appreciated the extra thought.
🤔 Unexpected or Unusual Situations
- Regifting can lead to some curious ornaments. One postal worker received an opened box of sausages and cheeses, which they strongly suspected was a customer’s unwanted gift! Another customer decided to share a fireball (alcoholic, we think), which the postie enjoyed on a chilly evening off.
- Over time, some posties have collected an impressive array of unusual items, like a block of cream cheese and a 4-pack of beer (in a 6-pack carton). Even a shirt fished out of a neighbour’s eviction pile. It’s not exactly conventional holiday cheer!
❤️ Heartwarming Stories
- One story is about a postal worker who received homemade treats and a handwritten note from a customer living in a modest mobile home. Despite having limited resources, the customer wanted to share a personal gift, nearly bringing the postie to tears with their kindness.
- Many posties say that even small gestures, like water bottles or snacks, make a big difference, especially after dealing with challenging customers all day. These acts of kindness may be simple, but they mean the world to the mail carriers who go the extra mile daily.
🌏 Consider Your Posties Cultural Background
- Australian Customs: In Australia, gift-giving to service workers, including postal workers, isn’t as common as in other cultures. However, small, thoughtful presents for your favourite “postie” are often appreciated, especially when they’ve been on the same route for years and you’ve built a rapport.
- Relationship-Based Gifting: Small, meaningful items like a “world’s best postie” mug, a quirky keyring, or a personalised keepsake can be ideal tokens of appreciation, fitting the friendly, informal nature of Aussie culture.
💡 Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
- Positive Reviews and Feedback: Writing a positive review or complimenting your postie to the post office can boost their service record.
- Practical Home Setup: Make deliveries easier with clear address labels, accessible mailboxes, and safe parcel spots.
- Empathy During Busy Times: A little patience goes a long way during peak seasons when delivery service demand is high.
- Small Courtesies: Leaving out water or snacks, especially on hot days, can be a welcome gesture for your hardworking postie.
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The original DadShop writer, owner, fun loving and tech guy. Great with computers, gadgets, quick on his feet and lover of novelty gifts. Ben writes for our wonderful blog occasionally just to pass time.
