Every year, on February 4th, we celebrate “Thank Your Mailman Day.” This is a day to show appreciation and gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our mail carriers. These unsung heroes play a vital role in our daily lives by delivering important letters, packages, and other mail items.
Your mailman is probably one of the most underappreciated people in your life. If you think about it, your mailman does a lot of work so everyone can get their mail on time with little appreciation.
They trek through any weather, walk miles and miles throughout the day to deliver mail, and bring some joy into the lives of many. If it wasn’t for your mailman, that special gift or important piece of mail would never arrive at your house or be sent to the person you love.
On February 4th, we dedicate the day to our mailmen who do so much. February 4th has been deemed National Thank Your Mailman Day, giving you the opportunity to thank them for everything they do.
The Postal Service Facts and History
We can also take this opportunity to educate ourselves about the postal service and its history.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) was established in 1775 by Benjamin Franklin, making it one of the oldest institutions in the country.
- In its early years, USPS only delivered letters and newspapers. It wasn’t until 1913 that they began delivering packages as well.
- The first postage stamp in the world was issued in the United Kingdom in 1840, featuring an image of Queen Victoria.
- Today, USPS is the largest postal service provider in the world, with over 600,000 employees and delivering to over 159 million addresses.
- USPS delivers an average of 472.1 million pieces of mail each day.
Ways You Can Thank Your Mailman
Let’s celebrate this day by showing appreciation and thanking our mailmen and women for their hard work and dedication.
Make them feel valued and recognized for the important role they play in our daily lives. Here are a few ideas that will put a smile on your mail carrier’s face.
Keep in mind the policy that has been set by the United States Post Office:
“All postal employees, including carriers, must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. Under these federal regulations, carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount. Furthermore, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.”
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2012/pb22349/html/cover_025.htm
Homemade cookies – Nothing beats a homemade treat, so one gift idea would be to make your mailman a special box of cookie treats they can enjoy throughout the day.
A handwritten thank you note – Just something a little special to say thank you for all they do.
Mittens and hats – so that they can keep warm as they deliver the mail through the cooler months. These can either be purchased or homemade.
A small gift basket of treats and other goodies that you think they may enjoy.
Bag of candy – attach a cute printable or physical thank you card to the bag of candy to make a special gift.
Packed lunch – so they can keep up their energy and enjoy a quick meal as they spend the day delivering the mail.
A warm drink – this is great for those areas where it’s cold during the month of February and will help them stay warm throughout the day.
Say thank you – Meet up with them while they are at the mailbox and quickly tell them thank you for everything they do.
Create some artwork – This is great, especially for children. Create a thoughtful drawing or piece of artwork to give your mailman.
Make a care package – A simple care package that includes everything from hand sanitizer to hand warmers and snacks always makes for a great care package.
Those are just a few ideas on ways you can tell your mailman thank you for everything they do!
This holiday is often overlooked, so this year, take special note that National Thank Your Mailman Day is on February 4th. No matter what you give, your mailman will certainly be appreciative that you have taken notice of all they do.
