The Chronic Consumer

I’m kind of curious as to how many of you buy holiday presents for people who do minor jobs or perform regular services for you. I’m talking about your mail carrier, UPS driver, landscaper, or hair stylist. Do you give these people gifts or not?

When I was younger, I remember my dad giving our mail carrier a gift every year — but it was usually just a re-gifted bottle of scotch or something (since my dad didn’t drink). I don’t think he ever actually went out and bought something specifically for the guy.

As for the other types of folks I mentioned, I don’t recall either of my parents ever gifting them during the holiday season.

So what about you? Do you include these peripheral folks on your holiday gift list? Obviously you wouldn’t be expected to buy something or the guy who comes in for a day to clean your gutters or install your new Grohe faucets, but what about others that you come into contact with more frequently? Is there some protocol to follow here? I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts!