The holiday season is traditionally the time we choose to thank the people who watch our kids, cut and style our hair, clean up our homes, teach — you get the drift.  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 take care of everyone on your list  while staying within your budget.  We consulted the experts at Emily Post for some tipping etiquette education.

The following are recommendations for holiday thanking, or tipping.  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 ProviderOptionsSuggested Amount or Gift
   
Regular babysitterCashOne evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Day care providerCash 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).
    
Private nurseGiftA thoughtful gift from you.
Home health employeesCheck 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/CleanerCash and/or a giftUp to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
Nursing home employeesA gift (not cash). Check company policy first.A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
BarberCash or giftCost of one haircut or a gift.
Beauty salon staffCash 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 trainerCash or giftUp to the cost of one session or a gift.
Massage therapistCash or giftUp to the cost of one session or a gift.
Pet groomerCash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year).Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Dog walkerCash or giftUp to one week’s pay or a gift.
Personal caregiverCash or giftBetween one week to one month’s salary or a gift.
Pool cleanerCash or giftThe cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
Garage attendantsCash or small gift$10-30 or a small gift
Newspaper delivery personCash or small gift$10-30 or a small gift
Mail carrierSmall gift only
Package delivererSmall gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.)Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.
SuperintendentCash or gift$20-80 or a gift
DoormanCash or gift$15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
   
HandymanCash or gift$15 to $40
Trash/Recycling collectorsCash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service.$10-30 each
Yard/Garden workerCash or gift$20-50 each
TeachersGift (not cash)A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child.

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