Why This Is the Best Time for Tipping
“Tipping etiquette, during the holiday season, is providing something (usually cash) to those who provide you with services year-round,” says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews. Ramhold says that while cash might not be acceptable in every situation, gift cards or baked goods are great alternatives, especially if you don’t have the budget for giving a ton of cash tips. “Remember that holiday tipping is all about saying thank you to those whose services you use all year, as well as even public servants you see on a regular basis (such as your mailperson),” says Ramhold. So, how much is standard to tip at the holidays, and who should get a gift versus cash? While specific amounts will vary by your location, circumstances, and budget, here’s a handy holiday tipping guide to help answer all your etiquette questions.
Give a Holiday Tip to Your…
Building superintendent$20 to $100, depending on how responsive and helpful your super has been.Doorman$20 to $100. If there are multiple doormen, $20 or more for each is fine; if you have only one, then the higher end of that range is more appropriate (even up to $150 to $200, at your discretion), especially if they’re friendly, do a lot for you, and/or you live in a luxury building.Elevator operator/other building staff$20 to $50. Check with your building association to see if there is a holiday tip pool that is shared by all of the building’s employees.Landscaper/gardener$20 to $50. If they come frequently, give up to a week’s pay. The CreditCards.com poll found that 36 percent tip their landscaper, with average tip amount being $30.Pool cleanersFor a regular crew, the price of one cleaning, to divide among themselves. If a different employee shows up each visit, holiday tipping is unnecessary.Newspaper carrier$10 to $30, or the equivalent of one month of the subscription price. Sometimes you can include a tip when you pay your bill. Remember that adults usually do this job these days.Handyman$15 to $40, depending on how much work you’ve had them do.Trash and recycling collectors$10 to $30 each for private service; for public service, check your local municipality for regulations as some areas may not allow tipping. The CreditCards.com poll found that the average tip amount for trash and recycling collectors is $20.Christmas tree carrierA $20 cash tip is appropriate for home delivery; $10 for an attentive carrier who also offers service while you choose a tree; $5 if the person has just helped you bundle it up and load it onto the car.MechanicIf you go regularly for service, tip $20.Gift wrapperIf tips are allowed, go with $1 to $2 per package, up to $10 total.Doctor/therapistCash gifts are generally prohibited. Check with each institution’s policy before giving a gift to a medical professional. At some nonprofit institutions, a donation may be made in honor of an employee. Platters of cookies or fruit are thoughtful gifts that benefit the entire staff.Day-care staffA gift or cash tip in the amount of $35 to $70 for each staff member who works with your child(ren) and a small handmade gift from your child(ren). The CreditCard.com poll reports that 41 percent of people tip their daycare provider, with the average being $50.Dry cleanerSince it’s a team effort, consider dropping off a box of donuts or a basket of fruit for the whole staff to enjoy.
Buy a Gift for Your…
AssistantIn addition to any end-of-the-year bonus, give a gift or gift card worth at least $50, depending on your position in the company and the assistant’s length of service. Avoid perfume, clothing, or anything that could be perceived as too personal.BossWhile not necessary, a simple gift is a nice gesture. Talk to coworkers to see if they’d like to chip in to buy a gift card or a restaurant gift certificate.Teacher/tutorDon’t spend more than $25. Assuming the school allows gifts, give something such as a bookstore or restaurant gift certificate, a picture frame, a coffee shop gift card, or a homemade gift from your child, accompanied by a hand-written thank-you note. Gifts aren’t as common at middle schools and high schools where each child has five or more teachers.Home health employees/private nurseA modest gift that shows your appreciation. Cash is not a good option. Be sure to check with the agency first, as some prohibit gifts.Nursing home employeesCheck company policy. Cash is not appropriate, but something that can be shared among the staff, like chocolate, cookies, or flowers, is a great idea.Letter carrier/package courierWhile nothing is expected, if you have a friendly relationship with the person, then a small gift or gift card in the $20 range is a nice gesture. Per United States Postal Service policy, gifts more valuable than $50 per calendar year are prohibited, as is giving cash or gift cards that can be used as cash. FedEx discourages giving tips or cash, and UPS does not have an official policy.Nanny/au pairA tip equal to one or two week’s pay, plus a personal gift from your child(ren), such as a framed crayon or marker portrait showing the child’s appreciation (but avoid kid-oriented gifts); an attractive handbag might score major points.
Give a Tip or a Gift to Your…
BabysitterCash or a gift equal to one or two night’s pay. A personal gift from your child(ren) is always appreciated as well.HousekeeperUp to one week’s pay and/or a gift. According to the CreditCards.com poll, 47 percent of U.S. adults who have a housekeeper said they gave them a tip during the holidays, an average of $50.Dog walkerOne week’s pay and/or a gift. While tips are the norm, a down vest or good gloves for winter walks, a massage, and other spa treatments are all thoughtful gift options.Pet groomerA tip or gift in the ballpark of the price of one session.Hairstylist/manicurist/barberThe cost of one visit, or a gift of equivalent worth. If you deal with more than one person at a given establishment, give cash so they can split it among themselves.Personal trainer/yoga instructor/massage therapistUp to one session’s fee or a modest gift, depending on how often you see them and whether they come to your home.
