'Tis the season to tip the people that make your life a little easier all year—here's a handy holiday tipping etiquette checklist to follow.
Hiranmayi has been a finance associate editor at Earned Media (part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family) supporting Investopedia and The Balance since February 2022. She joined Dotdash Meredith in March 2021 as a staff writer for the centralized finance desk, and wrote daily personal finance articles across several Meredith lifestyle brands including Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Health. Aluminum Foil Coated Parchment
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It always pays to be generous to the helpful people who take care of you, whether it's a housekeeper who goes above and beyond or a hairdresser who's extra-good to your locks. And there's no better time to show your appreciation than during the holidays, in the form of thoughtful 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 Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.
The tricky part is knowing how much to give and who to give it to, which is why many of us are desperately texting our friends and relatives for their opinions on the matter come mid November. So, how much is standard to tip at the holidays, and who should get a gift versus cash? Specific amounts will vary by your location, circumstances, and budget. And if you don't have the budget for big cash gifts this year, Ramhold says that gift cards and baked goods are great alternatives. To get you started, we've created a handy holiday tipping guide to help answer all your etiquette questions. Scroll down to see who should get a physical gift and who should get cold hard cash (if you're able).
This number will depend on how responsive and helpful your super has been and how many years you've known them.
This is the amount for multiple door attendants ($20 or more for each one is fine). If you only have one, then the higher end of that range will apply, or you'll need to go up to $140 or $200 depending on your relationship and if they do a lot for you, and/or you live in a luxury building.
Check with your building association to see if there is a holiday tip pool that is shared by all of the building's employees.
If they come frequently, give up to a week's pay.
For a regular crew, the price of one cleaning, to divide among themselves. If a different employee shows up each visit, holiday tipping is unnecessary.
Give the amount one month of the subscription price. Sometimes you can include a tip when you pay your bill.
This amount will depend on how much work you've had them do this year.
Amount: $10 to $30 each for private service
For public service, check your local municipality for regulations as some areas may not allow tipping.
While 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.
Amount: Up to one week's pay plus a little gift like baked goods or a bottle of wine.
If you go regularly for service, tip $20.
Since it's a team effort, consider dropping off a box of donuts or a basket of fruit for the whole staff to enjoy.While 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.
Amount: One week's pay.
If you don't have cash, a down vest or good gloves for winter walks are also thoughtful gifts.
Tip in: Cash or gift
Amount: A tip or gift in the ballpark of the price of one session.
Going with cash is a safe bet here, but you can add on a toy or treat for their own furry BFF for fun.
Tip in: Cash or gift card
Amount: The 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.
Tip in: Cash or gift
Amount: Up to one session's fee or a modest gift.
This amount will depend on how often you see them and whether they come to your home. If they make biweekly house calls, give them a session's fee.
Tip in: Cash or gift card
A 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). Gift cards to their favorite coffee spot or local restaurant are also a great idea.
Tip in: Gift or gift card
Don'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.
Amount: One or two weeks pay.
A 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.
Tip in: Cash or gift card
Amount: One or two night's pay
A personal gift from your child(ren) is always appreciated as well.
Tip in: Cash or gift card
In 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.
While not necessary, a simple gift is a nice gesture. Bake up some of your office-famous chocolate peppermint shortbreads or find something quirky and small based on their interests (like F.C. Richmond socks for your Ted Lasso-loving boss).
A modest gift that shows your appreciation like scarf, gloves, or throw blanket is lovely, but many agencies won't accept cash (or any) gifts. Make sure to check with their agency first. Cash is not a good option. Be sure to check with the agency first, as some prohibit gifts.
Check company policy. Cash is not appropriate, but something that can be shared among the staff, like chocolate, cookies, or flowers, is a great idea.
Carbon Paper Color Price Amount: Tips are generally prohibited but if you'd like to do something nice, send some baked goods to the office.