First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

A few days ago in THIS post, I shared this really neat idea I saw on Instagram, a way to say “thanks” during the holiday season to those hard-working folks who deliver packages to our door so frequently during this time of year. I’m not sure who started this idea, but I think it may have been Linette at the Instagram account shown below. I order a lot of items online to avoid getting out into the Atlanta traffic any more than necessary, so this idea really appealed to me.

Special Way to Show Appreciation to Those Who Deliver Our Packages

 

I stopped by the grocery store yesterday morning and picked up a few things. I also picked up a clear, shallow plastic container in which to put everything. Ignore the pumpkin. I’m getting ready to decorate the porch for Christmas so it will get removed as soon as the Christmas decorations go up this year.

Giving to those who deliver our packages during the holidays

 

Brenda, a lovely dearheart who reads BNOTP, made up a similar sign like those I had seen on Instagram. She’s made it available for anyone who wants to print it out on her Pinterest page here: Snack Sign.

At that page above, just click on the word “Open” and the sign will open up larger for printing.

Sign for Delivery AppreciationThanks so much to Brenda for taking time to do that! I don’t have a color printer since I rarely print in color, but the sign works great in black and white, too. I had a tallish piece of cardboard stashed away in my office closet. I taped my little sign to the top half of the cardboard and stuck the bottom half down into the back of the container. That’s working great, so far.

Snacks and drinks for Delivery Drivers and Package Handlers

 

Some of the drinks I included in this little snack bar are: Water, Cokes, Gingerale, Starbucks Coffee, V8 juice and Cranberry juice.

Drinks for Package Delivery Drivers During the Holidays

 

On the snack side there’s a variety of crackers, Goldfish, granola bars, trail mix bars, Oreo packets, almond packets and animal crackers. It’s been many years since I packed a lunch for a little one and had the need to shop for little individual servings/snacks, but there’s a lot to choose from in the grocery store. I had so much fun putting this together!

Snacks for Delivery Drivers and Package Delivery Handlers

 

When I placed this container out on the bench on the front porch, I wondered if my delivery folks would notice it and hopefully, enjoy it. I had two deliveries yesterday. The folks who deliver my packages rarely ring the bell when they make a delivery. UPS does, but most of the other services do not. So I’ve gotten in the habit of just glancing out the sidelight on days I’m expecting a package, to see if it has arrived.

Yesterday I had two packages delivered at two different times during the day: one mid afternoon and one late in the evening after dark. Mid afternoon I noticed a package on the porch. As I retrieved it, I glanced over hoping my delivery person had noticed the goodies on the bench nearby. I noticed a Coke and a box of the animal crackers was gone and my heart sang. I can’t tell you how happy that made me feel, that I could hopefully brighten the day just a little for someone who is out fighting this crazy Atlanta traffic. Another Coke was gone after the evening delivery, not sure if they enjoyed a snack since I have so many in the little bin, but I hope they did.

Way to show appreciation for delivery drivers, package delivery

 

So if you’re wondering (like I was) if your delivery folks will appreciate your snack bar and use it, the answer is, Yes! 🙂 I plan on doing this during the holiday season each year and I think I’ll start it earlier next year, maybe a week or so before Thanksgiving.

I brought the container in last night and put it back out first thing this morning. Since everything is sealed off, I don’t think the little chipmunks who sometimes hang out on the porch steps will try to get into anything, but I’ll update you and let you know if that happens. So far this little set up is working great, so I’m optimistic.

Giving to those who deliver our packages during the holidays

 

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Comments

  1. Dorinda Selke says

    What an excellent idea, Susan. A lot of my packages have already come but I still have more so I’m going to put one together today. And next year I will be ready as soon as I order the first package! Such a nice idea Hugs, Dorinda

  2. LUV THIS!!! We’re in the country so our “delivery folks” really have a “road trip!” We always give them a card, etc. I LUV YOUR SANTA SNACK! franki

  3. I have done that for years. I also do it for my local firemen (I bring it over to the station house). The first time I did this they all looked at me like I was crazy (guess no one else does this) but now it has become an annual event and I get a kick how they now look forward to it!!! 🙂

  4. Regality (aka The Quing) says

    I wonder if the companies/USPS have any sort of regs re accepting gratuities etc. However, I really do love the idea. I often see my mail guy out in all sorts of inclement weather and thank the gawdidontbelievein that I never had such a difficult and often thankless job.

  5. Phylis Parsons says

    What a neat idea! I love this. I’m going to do this as well.

  6. That’s a nice idea. I wish that would work for me but with our snow that’s coming I’d be fighting with that. Perhaps if I knew a package was coming I could put something out. I like the printable- great ideas!

  7. Thank you for posting this idea, and to Brenda for creating a sign to download. I am planning to follow through and place a snack bin out on my porch. Some of our deliveries have been arriving very late and I am sure that a snack will be appreciated after a long day.

  8. Ruthann Moore says

    Love the idea. I get packages all year long, but am especially happy to treat them now when they are extra busy and putting in long hours. I went immediately and printed the sign and filled a styrofoam box w/lid and put cans of pop and some crackers in there. We are expecting colder temps beginning tonite and snow (Ohio) so I think the styrofoam will keep the drinks at a nice temperature. I am expecting 3 packages today or tomorrow, so am anxious to see what happens. Love the idea and thanks !

  9. What a great idea and such a kind thing to do!!!

  10. Barbara Schmitt says

    Thank you Susan for sharing this idea. Since I didn’t know how to bring up the original poster, I created my own using those words. I was “tracking” an ordered package so knew approx. when the mail man would arrive. My “goodie basket”was prepared, sign made, and cans of soda, snack packs went out on the porch sitting on a plant stand I had. Well, the door bell rang, mail man had me sign for package, and he commented on the “goodie basket” and said: This is the nicest thing to do, and he had never seen anything like this” Thanked me and said he really appreciated it…took a Dr. Pepper and off he went. I’ll copy the prepared sign you shared. Thanks again.

  11. I LOVE this! What a great idea. Do you chill the drinks? I wonder about setting out a small cooler, and fill it with cold drinks. We live in the south and it’s HOT during the day. And I know these delivery people are really hustling to get packages delivered. Thanks for sharing this fabulous idea!

    • I haven’t been doing that because it was nice and cold out…then it turned pretty warm for a few days. It’s back to being cold now, was really cold out today! So I think they will be chilly enough just from the weather. I may have to put them inside a cooler if the temps drop too low, to keep them from freezing, but we don’t normally get freezing temps during the daytime hours. Thanks, Jocelyn!

  12. I have the best ups guy, we have 2 German shepherd dogs and he never leaves my packages out, if I’m not home he will leave it in one of our cars with a note on the door telling me where to find it. This is a great idea. Lena

  13. Mary Boger says

    A little kindness goes a long way! This is such a nice idea. We get lots of packages all year. So going to do this. Going to use
    A covered container though to keep the squirrels and birds out.

  14. I put a small cooler of water bottles out in the summer on really hot days; but this is a wonderful idea for the holiday season. printed my sign and ready to fill the container. Thank you for the idea and the sign to print.

  15. I love this idea and I am going to do it!

  16. I love this idea! So thoughtful!

  17. This is a wonderful idea! Since we are traveling to Ohio for Christmas in 2 weeks, I am going to put this idea on my to-do list for next year. But I will have my template printed out for the sign. Thanks for another great post, Susan! My heart always gives a little leap when I see a notification from your blog in my inbox.

  18. You have the perfect porch for setting up this idea. I usually run out mid December and catch the UPS person and give them a bag filled with trail mix.

  19. Juanita in OH says

    This idea is perfectly suited as one of Oprah’s Random Acts of Kindness. I think this is the greatest idea since the invention of electricity and the wheel, it made my heart so happy, thanks for sharing this heartwarming post.

  20. Such a simple but thoughtful idea that you are passing on. I didn’t think about “critters” getting into them though. mHave you noticed if the postman has taken any? Do you think they may be hesitant to take anything on a daily basis?

    • Our mailboxes are at the road, so the postman never comes to the door unless I get a package that’s too large to fit in my mailbox. Many years ago, before I had the front porch added on, I had a brick mailbox built and had a large mailbox put inside of it, so it will hold small packages. Yesterday, I got two little packages and the postman stuck them all in the mailbox. Maybe I should put a not in there saying please stop by the front porch for a drink and snack. 🙂

  21. Such a thoughtful gesture. I think I’ll steal your idea! Thanks.

  22. Also, I believe I spotted Vernor’s gingerale in your supply; that’s one classy bin of snacks 🙂

  23. This is such a wonderful idea! Thanks so much for sharing!

  24. Oh wow! I love this idea. We have 2 UPS drivers that deliver our packages. One of them is a young man that went to school with my son and a lot of times in the summer (Alabama heat) I give him a bottled water. One time he even came in and had some leftovers with us for supper! Our UPS lady is sweet too. I might have to incorporate this idea soon as I do get a good many packages.

  25. Angie Bell says

    Thank you, Susan! After working for the Postal Service for 18 years and now retired, I can assure you that we are so very grateful to you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
    Your blog has always been my favorite. I cannot tell you how many times I have taken your advice on various products. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.

  26. I love all the “Pay it Forward” that is going on these days! My heart smiles that there are still good, kind people out there.

  27. That is a brilliant idea!

    I had an amazing gal named Gina, whom was my USPS carrier for years when I was sooooo busy selling on ebay……I twice did something for her during her many years. Always a cookie tray for her the day after my Christmas Cookie Exchange party…and right before Christmas a little gift. Sometimes bathsoaps, sometimes candy, sometimes candles or ornaments – but a little gift of two wrapped up.

    I never thought of generically having it for all – Fed Ex, UPS, Mail – great idea and I may need to do this too – I order from Amazon almost everyday it seems. Thanks, Susan for the inspiration!

  28. Susan, This is such a wonderful idea and especially for this time of year.
    I don’t tend to order much online but if I ever do I’ll follow your example and set out some treats.

    On another topic altogether (hope it’s okay to ask here)
    I was wondering if you might have any ideas since you’re so good at figuring things out 🙂
    I have a really lovely old set of drinking glasses that have a printed on design of poinsettias etc. that I absolutely love.
    Unfortunately when I first got them years ago I washed them in the dishwasher a few times and they dulled a little… nothing extreme but the painted areas are definitely duller than when I first got them.
    I haven’t put them in the dishwasher since I first noticed but it still bugs me every time I get them out for the holidays.
    So my question is… Susan..do you happen to know of any way of making that area shiny again?
    Thanks in advance if you have any ideas.
    🙂

    • Unfortunately, I don’t know of any way. I think once the paint is faded, it would be hard to get it back to the way it was. So sorry that happened, Catalynn. Wish I had a better answer. You may want to Google to see if there are any suggestions out there on the web.

  29. Donna Zoltanski says

    Kindness counts. I like this idea too. Smiles.

  30. I just did the goodie box too! We ordered a lot online & we have been getting a lot of packages. I don’t know why but I get sooo excited when they do take something! After I hear the truck leave, I run out & see what’s missing! I guess it makes me happy that they like my goodies! Someone asked about them getting gifts & I think it’s ok as long as it’s under a certain amount of money. I used to give little gifts to our regular mail lady until she retired. This time of year there can be different drivers than usual so I think this is a good idea that they can all enjoy! I don’t have to worry about the water getting warm anymore. The temps. in the Chicagoland area just took a nose dive from the 60’s to the 30s! The wind has been really bad the last two days too! It’s the cold front blowing in! I guess it feels more like Christmas now! :0)

  31. Such a lovely thing to do. Living up north with snow may make this hard for me to replicate. Bravo to u and the reader who made the sign.

  32. Hi Susan, I saw your initial post and thought what a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing. I like your sign a little better than the one I used as your’s is all inclusive. I have included much the same items along with apples, Hershey Kisses and Holiday Miniature Mars Bars which I put in individual sandwich baggies. I tied the baggies with curley ribbon to keep the squirrels from getting at them. I also hung candy canes from the edge of the container too.

    I have set my thank you snack container out twice now and have noticed the mailman has taken a few things each day. (He thanked my son as he was pulling in the driveway) I also have been bringing mine in at night and setting it back out in the morning. Now I have a decision to make as some of my packages are due to arrive within the next few days and the weatherman initially said to expect 18″ to 24″ of Lake Effect Snow. No big deal for us New York Buffalonian. (Did someone say, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas?) With my luck though, I can see frozen water bottles and pop cans that have exploded all over my front porch! I’ll have to keep an eye on the temperature. I might just switch out the container for an insulated picnic cooler with a lid and place all the items in there (minus the water and pop) but substitute a thermos of hot coffee or cocoa along with foam cups with lids.

    Wishing everyone and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  33. Hi Susan, I saw your initial post and thought what a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing. I like your sign a little better than the one I used as your’s is all inclusive. I have included much the same items along with apples, Hershey Kisses and Holiday Miniature Mars Bars which I put in individual sandwich baggies. I tied the baggies with curley ribbon to keep the squirrels from getting at them. I also hung candy canes from the edge of the container too.

    I have set my thank you snack container out twice now and have noticed the mailman has taken a few things each day. (He thanked my son as he was pulling in the driveway) I also have been bringing mine in at night and setting it back out in the morning. Now I have a decision to make as some of my packages are due to arrive within the next few days and the weatherman initially said to expect 18″ to 24″ of Lake Effect Snow. No big deal for us New York Buffalonian. (Did someone say, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas?) With my luck though, I can see frozen water bottles and pop cans that have exploded all over my front porch! I’ll have to keep an eye on the temperature. I might just switch out the container for an insulated picnic cooler with a lid and place all the items in there (minus the water and pop) but substitute a thermos of hot coffee or cocoa along with foam cups with lids.

    Wishing everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    • Gail, your snack bin sound so pretty and festive! I started to include fruit and forgot to buy it at the store. I wonder if that would tempted my squirrels. I may have to put a lid on mine since we’ve been getting rain off and on the last couple of days. I’ve been placing it in the center of the porch when it rains to keep it dry.
      I love that about your mailman. Do you think an insulated cooler would work? I may need to do that too if our temps drop down. Like the idea of the hot coffee or cocoa…that’s brilliant!

  34. THAT is so sweet!
    Catherine

  35. My Dad was a letter carrier and would come home telling us about the kindness shown to him during the day. People would always offer him a beverage based on the weather. He truly appreciated that people took the time to think of him out there in all kinds of weather. My husband and I continue to treat our delivery people the same way.

  36. On it! Thank you for sharing your kindness and a terrific idea. ☃️

  37. Cyndi Raines says

    Great idea! Love the care package set up and I’m sure they all will like it too.

  38. What a very thoughtful idea. Our mail person doesn’t always get here until after 9 PM so we’d have to leave the light on!

  39. Tina Matteson says

    This is so very thoughtful! I plan to make your sign and do a similar container of goodies. Thanks for a great idea!

  40. When I asked her, My postal carrier suggested Quik Trip gift cards instead of cash, as a Holiday Thank You. She said all the carriers go to Quik Trip (here in the midwest) for gas, etc. I feel better leaving a gift card in our mailbox for her instead of cash.

  41. I would hand my garbage collector a cold pop once in a while. They appreciate the acknowledgement.
    The container on the porch, brilliant during this busy season.

    Happy Holidays,
    Jane

  42. I love this idea; we do give “cash” gifts to our mail carrier and newspaper delivery person. Kind of forget about UPS drivers and others though! And here in the snowy northern part of the US, there are times when these guys have to walk through snow to get to our front door, even though it is shoveled. Sherri

  43. Great Idea! I know they appreciate it! I can’t wait to see your front porch decorated! Merry Christmas!

  44. i love, Love, LOvE this idea. i’m doing this for sure. thank you! xo- maryjo

  45. Susan, your stash of goodies made me smile as the Oreo cookies, Gold Fish and Animal Crackers are three of the items I often include in my Halloween goodie bags that I give out on Halloween to the younger children and hope there will be a few left over so I can enjoy them too … :). As for the sign; thanks to Linette, you, myself and I suspect many of your readers (as to date, the sign has been pinned fourty-five times) there will be many delivery personnel appreciating the thoughtfulness towards them who IMO are not only responsible for making our holiday season brighter but who also continuously move goods across both our great nations, which in return sustains our economy. (Say what you wish about the future usage of drones, but some how I cannot foresee them delivering a refrigerator …. winks!) In closing; thank you again for providing an quick link to my Pinterest Board. With much appreciation for doing so. Warm hugs -Brenda-

  46. I have only a couple of packages due, so far, and wanted to catch the delivery person with the first one so I hurried to the store and got a selection of goodies to put out on the step. I was happy that I got the tray out before she arrived and waited in the house until she was done. I ended up going outside before she left as the dogs were barking and I wanted to intervene and she had made a second trip to the door to leave a thank you note stuck to the door. She commented that my treats had made her day. We are below freezing here so my plan is to have two sets of goodies and swap out my goodies a couple of times a day so that they do not freeze. Thanks so much for sharing this idea. I am glad to participate.

  47. Susan, First of all, I’m sorry for the double post before. We are just now getting the snow and cold temperatures the weatherman said we would. (It’s beautiful and looks like a picture postcard.) So I was going to leave my insulated cooler along with thermos of coffee and cocoa out. I then realized that the original snacks I put out really don’t go with my beverages now! So I am rethinking what to put in there, maybe Little Debbie holiday themed cakes, individually packaged cookies, doughnuts, things like that. I am now off to the grocery store.

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