The Postal Service has released its 2025 Holiday Ethics Guide to help employees adhere to federal regulations involving workplace gifting and get-togethers.
Here are some general rules found in the guide:
• Gifts between employees. A gift to a manager or higher-level employee must be noncash and valued at $10 or less. A gift to a subordinate or a lower-level employee is not subject to limits, but the giver should be mindful of any perception of favoritism.
Group gifts or collections are not permitted during the holiday season.
“Secret Santa” or “white elephant” gift exchanges are allowed, but participation must be voluntary and the noncash gifts must cost $10 or less.
Office parties and potlucks are permissible if employee participation and contributions are voluntary. Employees who do not contribute can still attend.
• Gifts from outside sources. Employees cannot solicit or coerce a gift from a customer but can accept a noncash gift valued at $20 or less if the total value of gifts from a single customer in a calendar year does not exceed $50.
An employee must return a gift to the sender or pay its fair market value if it is valued at more than $20. If the gift is perishable, the receiving employee can share the gift with colleagues or donate it.
Employees can never accept cash or cash equivalents such as Zelle, Venmo or credit card-branded gift cards.
Employees who have questions should email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346. The Ethics Blue Page has additional information on gifts from outside sources and gifts between employees.
