Wait…You Get Gifts?

As the wife of a UPS driver, I typically don’t see my husband too often during the Christmas season, nor the gifts he receives. Wait a second. Did I just say gifts?!?!? He receives gifts?!?!?

Because Josh’s office is his truck, he can take only a minimal amount of items with him daily. After work each day, he walks into our home with the same items that he uses – containers with which he packs his lunch. Last year, when he walked into our home with a mysterious large tin, my wheels started turning. It was the first I’d even given it an inkling that he had been receiving gifts during the Christmas season. When I realized the tin was full of chocolates, I thought two things, (1) “Sweet! Chocolate for me! Yummy!” and (2) “Bummer! Chocolate for me. I won’t be able to control myself and will eat the entire tin-full before the night is over. I won’t be able to function tomorrow because I will have a sugar hangover.”

Josh knows that I try diligently to stock our home with only nutritiously dense, whole foods. He also knows that I love me some processed foods and have an amazing sweet tooth. So when I questioned the appearance of the tin, he slapped a grin on his face and explained that one of the patrons on one of his stops gave it to him. I thought it was so sweet and went on and on about it. Then I began to think — hmmm… “Is it possible that he has been receiving gifts from others, and more importantly, what has he been holding out on me?”

Up to this point, it had never occurred to me that he had been receiving gifts all of these years, even though I did it for our delivery folks. Of course, once I “got it,” I became a detective, and pummeled him with questions regarding UPS driver gifts, and in particular, his gifts.

I was shocked when he told me he had received gifts of food…daily! At first, I couldn’t believe that he hadn’t been sharing with me. Then, I thought about it and put things into perspective. During peak season, this guy works a crazy amount of hours each day and, the majority of the time, does not have time to take a lunch break. (Oh! I also thought about how, if he did share the sweets with me, that I would have a constant sugar hangover! But that’s a story for a different time…)

Anyway, the reason for my sharing this story is to:

A.) Thank you for even thinking to give your delivery person a gift. As far as Josh and I are concerned, we would never expect anything, but we sure do think it’s a very thoughtful gesture and we certainly appreciate it.
B.) If you’re like me, you want to give the perfect gift to everyone, delivery persons included. However, you find it challenging to find the perfect gift for the delivery person(s) in your life, especially if budgets are very tight.

To help solve the gift-giving dilemma addressed, I sat down with Josh and asked him this important question, “What types of gifts do you like to receive while delivering during the Christmas season?” Josh’s favorite gift became extremely evident: Food! Food in various forms, that is!

1.Food!

As I mentioned, most of the time, these guys (or gals) don’t get time to take a lunch break, so anything that they can eat while on the run, or quickly in between deliveries, is perfect. This could include; cookies, candies, or anything creative! If it is something that requires utensils, including those is helpful. No matter the food choice, napkins are helpful too, so they look presentable at their next stop! {The pictured reindeer food gift tutorial is available at Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats}

2. Gas Station Gift Card

If you live where we live, restaurants are pretty much non-existent on most routes and gas stations are miles apart. This makes a gift card for the local gas station, to pick up a quick bite or something to drink, an appreciated gift.

3. Gift Card to a Local Food Shop

If a driver does have a restaurant on his route, a gift card for a restaurant that is passed while delivering is well received. If they can’t stop during peak season, they can always use the gift card once peak season is over. And it doesn’t have to be for a huge dollar amount – a $5 card is enough to cover lunch or a good snack.

4. Gift Certificate to a Local Restaurant

This is my favorite response of Josh’s, and I quote, “Since I don’t get to see my family much during peak season, a gift card to a restaurant would be nice, so that we could enjoy dinner together, once peak season is over.” Even a $5 contribution is appreciated. We love any excuse to go out to dinner and this is a perfect one!

5. A Homemade Sandwich

We had this discussion while he was eating lunch. As we were talking, he said, “This would be a perfect gift,” as he held up his lunch meat sandwich. Yes. He was serious! {Sandwich recipe pictured via: Cafe Zupas}

6. A Little Tip

He also mentioned money. Money for food, of course! {Adorable envelopes via: Unexpected 20}

An additional tidbit Josh mentioned is that he doesn’t like to receive anything that contains alcohol.

He feels uncomfortable driving while it is in the truck.

If you’re struggling with this delivery person gift-giving dilemma, I hope Josh’s answers help you. Again, we certainly do not expect anything, but we appreciate your kind gestures! Feel free to ask any specific questions below. I will be sure to ask the UPS driver who loves food, and get an answer to you right away! (Please keep in mind that UPS drivers do not have a policy regarding gifts they are allowed to receive. From what I gather, FedEx drivers are not allowed to receive cash, nor anything over $75. Mail delivery persons are allowed to receive non-cash gifts up to $20. An additional tidbit Josh mentioned is that he doesn’t like to receive anything that contains alcohol. He feels uncomfortable driving while it is in the truck.)