The holiday season is a great time to show your appreciation to the people who serve you throughout the year. Listed below are guidelines for tipping your service professionals. Of course, the amount will vary depending on the level of service you receive and the depth of your relationship with each person.
Holiday Tip #1: Hairstylist – Cash equivalent to the average cost of one appointment.
Holiday Tip #2: Garbage Collector - $20 and up depending on how much extra trash they take away for you. Consider the amount of lawn and yard clippings you typically leave in addition to regular trash, or if you just moved in and left a large amount of packaging and boxes.
Holiday Tip #3: Mail Carrier – Non-cash gifts up to $20 value. The U.S. Postal Service does not allow employees to receive cash. Food items and a thoughtful note make a nice gift.
Holiday Tip #4: Housekeeper/Cleaning Person - one week's pay for every year she/he has been with you up to 5 years.
Holiday Tip #5: Teacher – A small gift and a thoughtful note from you and your child. Some schools do not allow gift giving, check the rules.
Holiday Tip #6: Nanny – one week's salary for every year she/he has been with you up to 5 years.
Holiday Tip #7: Babysitter – Cash equivalent to an average week's pay. If she/he typically sits less frequently, one or two night's pay is appropriate. A gift card to a favorite store she/he shops at often is a little more personal and still greatly appreciated like cash.
Holiday Tip #8: Gardner/Lawn Care - $50 and up. If more than one person works on your yard, divide the cost of one day of service between each person.
Holiday Tip #9: Shipping Carriers – $15 and up depending on the amount and size of regular drop-off and pick- Gift giving policies vary for package delivery companies, so be sure to check the rules. UPS does not have a gift policy, whereas FedEx allows non-cash gifts up to $75 value.
Holiday Tip #10: Guard House Attendant – Depends on what they do for you. A cash gift of $50 and up or a gift card to the grocery store both make nice presents.
Holiday Tip #11: School Bus Driver - $20 and up.
Holiday Tip #12: Fitness Trainer- Cash equivalent to a week's worth of fees. If you pay $45 per session and you have train two times a week, then $90 is a nice gift. This is for someone you have worked with for at least a year. Less is suitable for someone newer.
Holiday Tip #13: Manicurist – Cash equivalent to an average week's worth of services. If you see her/him once a week and they charge $30, then $30 is nice.
Holiday Tip #14: Doorman - $50 and up depending on the amount of extra service they provide for you.
Remember, presentation is important. Cash and gift cards should be placed inside a greeting card or an envelope with a sincere note of thanks. Spend a moment to really thank the person for what they do for you all year long.
