Vendor Gifts

Sometimes vendors with public contracts offer gifts to local government employees to build good relationships. Although vendor relationships can be cordial, they should not involve gifts to public employees.

Local officials, such as city and county officials, are subject to Minn. Stat. §471.895, which generally bans gifts. There are certain exceptions, such as a trinket or memento costing $5 or less. In addition, under Minn. Stat. §471.87, a public officer authorized to take part in making a contract in any manner generally is not allowed to have a personal financial interest in the purchase.

Government employees should not accept personal gifts from vendors or contractors. We recommend that entities create an ethics policy. This policy should expressly ban officers and employees from accepting personal gifts from vendors or contractors.

Date this Avoiding Pitfall was most recently published: 8/28/2026