Holiday Tipping Made Easy: Your Guide to Giving Graciously
From your hairstylist to your mail carrier, here's who and how much to tip this holiday season
It's the holiday season, a time when we want to show our appreciation for all the special people who make our lives simpler, safer, and more meaningful. Holiday tipping is one way to show gratitude for some of the professionals who play an important role in our daily routines. But who should you consider tipping, and how much is the appropriate amount? To help you navigate the increasingly confusing landscape of holiday tipping, we sifted through the advice of etiquette experts to provide these widely accepted guidelines.
Holiday tipping guidelines
First, it's important to remember that holiday tipping isn't an obligation. It's simply showing gratitude to those who provide valued services throughout the year. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding if, who, and how much to tip.
- How close are you to the recipient?
The relationship you have with the professionals in your life may determine who you decide to tip. For example, if you have a nanny or babysitter who has cared for your children for years, they may feel like part of the family. For these unique relationships, you may want to express more gratitude with a more substantial gift. Conversely, if you just started going to a new hairstylist, you may not feel as inclined to give them an additional holiday tip (though your new stylist would most likely appreciate it, of course).
- What's your budget?
Assess your holiday budget. When you know how much you can spend comfortably, you can avoid the stress of not going into debt to show appreciation. If cash is limited, prioritize tipping those you feel the closest with or those who provide the most value to your family.
Keep in mind that if money is tight, you can give affordable handmade gifts or baked goods to show gratitude instead of shelling out cash. The sentiment behind the gesture is what's important.
- Are you giving graciously or out of a feeling of obligation?
You shouldn't feel pressured to tip if you don't feel inclined to do so or don't think you can afford it. Do what feels right to you.
Tipping suggestions
Although experts differ on who to tip and how much, these “rule-of-thumb” guidelines offer a reliable starting point for your holiday tipping decisions.
- Barber or hairstylist: cost of one haircut or session
- Babysitter: average evening or day payment and one small gift from your children
- Au pair: a small gift from your children and one week’s pay
- Housekeeper: cost of one visit and a small gift
- Coffee shop barista: up to $20 if you see someone regularly
- Home health aide or in-home caregiver: average one week’s pay
- Groomer: cost of one visit
- Handyman: up to $50
- Mail carrier: non-cash gifts of value up to $20 (per USPS rules)
- Kids’ coaches or teachers: small gift from children or gift card
- Nail technician: cost of one session
- Trash collectors and sanitation workers: up to $30 each
- Pet sitter: cost of one visit
- Food delivery person: up to $30 if you see someone regularly
- Wait staff: 15 to 20 percent of pre-tax bill
- Personal trainer: cost of one session
The bottom line
Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and there's no time like the holidays to ensure that everyone in your life feels special. While monetary gifts are not obligatory, a generous gesture of gratitude can go a long way in improving the lives of others and serve as a wonderful way to wish them a happy, healthy holiday season.