And A Tip Of The Hat Goes To (A Holiday Tipping Guide)
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 Provider | Options | Suggested Amount or Gift |
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). |
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 |
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. |
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. |