Copy/paste from page 101 of Partner Resources Manual - US Stores:

>Exception for Cash Designated as a Personal Gift
>Starbucks hourly non-exempt store partners who are offered cash by customers in recognition of outstanding customer service are expected to place the cash in the tip pool. Occasionally, a customer may present cash to a partner and indicate that it is a personal gift. This most often occurs during the holiday season. These “gifts” are not subject to Starbucks Gifts and Entertainment Standard. Rather, they are tips that are subject to the tips policy. How those tips are handled, however, is determined by how they are delivered by the customer and the customer’s intent. Even if the customer states it is a holiday “gift,” Starbucks considers it to be a tip. If the customer confirms the intent to give a personal gift (e.g., verbally or with a note/envelope specifically addressed to the partner), the partner may retain the gift but should discuss with the store manager. If the customer’s intent seems reasonably clear, it is the partner’s choice whether to retain the cash as a personal gift or place the cash in the tip pool to be shared with other hourly store partners. Under no circumstances may a partner solicit a personal gift from a customer or accept a gift in exchange for a product or service.