he holiday season is traditionally the time Americans choose to thank those who provide them with year-round services. In these tough economic times it’s important to remember that holiday tipping is truly about saying thank you. With a little creativity you can accommodate everyone on your list this year without blowing your budget.
Here are some things to consider when you're deciding how to thank people, who you will spend money on, and how much you will spend:
- Your budget: First and foremost, you shouldn’t feel obligated to go beyond your personal budget.
- If your budget does not allow for tips, consider homemade gifts; and if you’re not good with crafts or in the kitchen, remember that words are always a great way to express your thanks for a year of good service.
- Any gift or tip should always be accompanied by a short handwritten note of appreciation. (Two or three sentences will be enough.)
- Do you already tip regularly? If you tip at the time of service, you may forego an end of the year tip, or give a more modest holiday thank you. You may also choose to give a small gift instead.
- The quality and frequency of the service you receive.
- Your relationship with the service provider.
- Location: Tipping averages tend to be higher in larger cities.
- Length of service: The number of years you’ve been using the service.
- Regional customs.
- Type of establishment: Is it deluxe or moderate?
- When in doubt, ask: Call the front desk and ask what is 1) accepted by the company, and 2) typical for what they see from other customers.
- Common sense, specific circumstances and holiday spirit should always be your guide.
- Don’t buy into the thought that if you don’t tip you won’t get good service for the coming year. If you think you've had bad service for this reason, you might want to consider changing companies.
Holiday Thanking Recommendations
The table below contains our recommendations for holiday thanking, or tipping. These are not rules. Remember that averages and ranges can vary based on the type of establishment, regional customs, and your own budget. You never have to give cash and a gift, except in a few cases, such as when your child may give a gift to a babysitter in addition to your tip or thank-you. We understand that some people aren’t comfortable picking out gifts for those they don’t know well so there are cash amounts listed below, as a suggestion only.
| Service Provider | Options | Suggested Amount or Gift |
Au pair or live-in nanny | Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well. | One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren). |
Regular babysitter | Cash | One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren). |
Day care provider | Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren). | A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren). |
| Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper) | Cash and a personal gift | One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you. |
Private nurse | Gift | A thoughtful gift from you. |
Home health employees | Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency. | A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.) |
Housekeeper/Cleaner | Cash and/or a gift | Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift. |
Nursing home employees | A gift (not cash). Check company policy first. | A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items). |
Barber | Cash or gift | Cost of one haircut or a gift. |
Beauty salon staff | Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service. | The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you. |
Personal trainer | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Massage therapist | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Pet groomer | Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year). | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Dog walker | Cash or gift | Up to one week’s pay or a gift. |
Personal caregiver | Cash or gift | Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift. |
Pool cleaner | Cash or gift | The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew. |
Garage attendants | Cash or small gift | $10-30 or a small gift |
Newspaper delivery person | Cash or small gift | $10-30 or a small gift |
Mail carrier | Small gift only | Please see below for a detailed description of the United States Postal Service’s gift regulations.* |
Package deliverer | Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.) | Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts. |
Superintendent | Cash or gift | $20-80 or a gift |
Doorman | Cash or gift | $15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift. |
Elevator operator | Cash or gift | $15-40 each |
Handyman | Cash or gift | $15 to $40 |
Trash/Recycling collectors | Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service. | $10-30 each |
Yard/Garden worker | Cash or gift | $20-50 each |
Teachers | Gift (not cash) | A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child. |
*United States Postal Service Gift Regulations: Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service are allowed to accept the following items during the holiday season:
Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service may not accept the following:
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