How to tip people who can't be tipped

This isn't your standard holiday tipping guide. Plenty of people will tell you to slip the trash collector $10 to $30 the next time he wakes you at 6 a.m. Instead, this is your annual guide to tipping those who can't accept tips.

These people might work equally hard all year round, yet are precluded from extending their palms by company standards, government regulations or simple rules of etiquette.

To make the whole process easier on you, we went to the proverbial horses' mouths and nailed down exactly what types of gratuities are acceptable for people in 10 non-tippable professions.

1. Nursing home workers

Most nursing homes don't allow their employees to accept cash; check your specific agency's rules before tipping. While this might seem unfair, considering the thoughtful care they provide to your loved ones, the policy is fairly prevalent. You might consider a gift certificate, gift card or a small present, such as a book or a potted plant.

2. Mail carriers

Come rain, snow or dark of night, U.S. Postal Service employees aren't allowed to accept gifts worth more than $20 on a single occasion. You can give them a gift card, but not one that can be exchanged for the cash equivalent, spokesman Mark Saunders said. Other nice gifts for your chilly carrier include hand warmers or a nice bottle of wine. If you're served by a variety of temporary carriers (as is more common these days), you might send a group gift to your local Postal Service branch, such as a fruit basket or cookie tin. Saunders said the total cash value of gifts over one year can't exceed $50.

The commercial delivery service also doesn't allow its employees to receive cash tips, spokeswoman Ann Saccomano said. They can, however, accept non-monetary gifts up to $25 in value, so go with the tips mentioned in No. 2.

4. UPS deliverers

The delivery service trains its drivers to decline tips politely, spokeswoman Rebecca Treacy-Lenda said. But "when a customer insists, we allow our folks to accept nominal gratuities," she said, such as baked goods, knitted items and even invitations to holiday parties. In other words, it's between you and Brownie.

5. Teachers

Rather than inundate your child's teacher with yet another box of bath salts, how about a gift certificate to a nice local restaurant? It would be extra special if your child includes a little gift, be it a homemade item or a small token purchased with allowance money.

School bus drivers -- who brave the elements and overexcited kids -- are often ignored during the holidays. Most transportation departments frown on cash gifts, but one school district says the best possible gift would be a complimentary letter to the driver's supervisor. Your child might also offer a Christmas card with a big smile and a week's worth of impeccable bus behavior.

For city bus drivers, a tin of cookies or any homemade baked goods would be nice. As with postal carriers, many bus drivers drive different routes, so you might bring your special treat to the depot for everyone to share.

7. Snowplow drivers

Of course you tip the little neighbor kid who shovels your walk each winter, but many companies discourage tipping plow drivers who clear your driveway or alley under contract. Still, at Christmastime, it seems only fair to slip drivers a six-pack or bottle of wine once they've dug out your car. You can always restock your supply when the weather clears.

8. Flight attendants

9. Nurses and physician assistants

These saints in scrubs often deserve special attention during the holidays. A sweet treat or a veggie platter -- or even a unique ornament for the hospital department's Christmas tree -- will show your appreciation during this busy time.

10. Personal shoppers