This holiday tipping guide will help you answer those confusing questions about how much you should tip at holiday time.
There are many kind people who help you do what needs to be done throughout the year.
You want to appropriately recognize their efforts at holiday time. It can be overwhelming to know what to do. Is a tip the right thing? Is a gift the correct etiquette?
Our old friend Claudia Clueless has a lot to be thankful for this year. She was going 85 in a 65 on her way to an estate sale. She was pumped about snapping up a vintage harmonica at a deep discount.
Well, Officer Nicetry was not so pumped. He slapped Claudia with a speeding ticket that would have cost her big bucks and points on her license, possibly raising the price of her car insurance premium.
Claudia’s lawyer Janet Justice marched into court and got her off with a reduced fine and no points. Phew!
Claudia is ready to grease Janet’s palms with some crisp Benjamins for saving her a$$.
But, no, Claudia, STOP!
Read the holiday tipping guide before you do anything gauche and possibly unethical.
Here we go with the holiday tipping guide.
#1 Doorman/Doorwoman/Concierge: $100
A New York City doorman who has worked in the profession for over two decades says staff always prefer a tip in cash.
Although cookies, wine, or another gift are nice, giving a gift with a cash tip is the right thing to do.
Consider your relationship with the staff of your building. Do you live alone, and they frequently help you zip up a dress or put jewelry on as you head out? Do you receive a ton of packages? Do you ask for help with random tasks like feeding a cat if you are out of town or helping you carry bags from shopping trips?
As a high-value woman who is empathetic and respectful, if you are getting a lot of extra services, perhaps a larger tip is appropriate for you to give.
If you live in a building with a large number of staff, oftentimes the building management will hand out envelopes with everyone’s name on them and some tipping guidelines.
Refer to this list and feel free to ask other residents what they are tipping so you can get a sense of what is expected.
#2 Live-in Nanny: Cash Tip Up To One Week’s Pay and a Gift
A live-in nanny works closely with your family. A thoughtful gift and cash tip of up to one week’s pay is appropriate.
#3 Personal Trainer: Cash Tip Up to The Cost of One Session
#4 Dog Walker: One Week’s Pay in Cash
The holiday tipping guide leaves this one flexible based on how much you use the dog walker. Does the dog walker come every day? If so, then you will tip what you pay the dog walker in a week. If the dog walker only comes once a week and charges $50, then a $50 tip is appropriate.
#5 Dog Groomer: Cash Tip Equivalent to One Session
Your dog groomer puts a lot of effort into making your best friend feel and look their best. A cash tip equivalent to one grooming session is appropriate.
#6 Pool Maintenance and Landscaper: Cash Tip Equivalent to One Week’s Pay
The pool maintenance and landscaper’s tips in the holiday tipping guide can also vary based on how much you use their services.
If there is a crew or team of workers, divide the tip among them.
#7 Hairdresser : Double Your Regular Tip or Up To One Salon Visit
Professional stylists say doubling your regular tip is an fitting holiday gesture. Does your stylist also serve as your therapist? Do you have frequent appointments and a strong relationship? Perhaps the equivalent of one salon visit is the right tip for you to give.
It’s especially nice to give an assistant a tip.
#8 Sanitation Worker: $15-$30 if City Guidelines Allow
There are some workers whose tips are guided by city laws and ordinances. Check with your specific city or town to find out what is allowed when it comes to tipping sanitation workers.
Holiday Tipping Guide: When a Tip is Not Appropriate
#9 United States Postal Service Workers: Gift Valued $20 or Less Up to a Maximum of $50 Per Calendar Year
The United States Postal Service has an employee tipping and gift-receiving policy.
Under these federal regulations, carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount.
Furthermore, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.
#10 Lawyer: Send a Card or Small Gift
Back to Claudia and her pile of cash. Due to the nature of certain professions, a cash tip is inappropriate and could even be seen as unethical. Sending a card or small gift at holiday time to an attorney is the right move.
Others to whom this applies include:
#11 Accountant/CPA: Card or Small Gift
We know, Claudia, your CPA Nelson Numbers saved you a ton in taxes. Still, just give a card or small gift to your accountant or CPA.
#12 Auditor: Card or Small Gift
#13 Banker: Card or Small Gift
#14 Doctor or Dentist: Card or Small Gift
#15 Veterinarian: Card or Small Gift
#16 Teacher: Gift or Large Group Gift From All Parents
FINAL THOUGHTS
The holiday tipping guide is, just that, a guide. Many situations with service workers are unique. If you are on a tight budget and employ a babysitter once a year, a small gift or card is acceptable.
Perhaps you and your hairdresser are besties and go to happy hour frequently. You know he wants new pickleball paddles. Giving that as a gift feels better than a cash tip, considering you have a friendship outside of a business relationship.
People work hard all year and want to feel appreciated. Put yourself in their shoes and try to imagine how it would feel receiving the tip or gift you plan to give.
HOLIDAY TIPPING GUIDE ROUNDUP
So there you have it; the comprehensive holiday tipping guide.
In a nutshell, those who should get a cash tip include:
CASH TIP
- Doorman, personal trainer, nanny, babysitter, dog walker, dog groomer, pool maintenance workers, landscapers, sanitation worker
Those who should receive a card or gift include:
CARD OR GIFT ONLY
- USPS workers, lawyer, accountant, CPA, auditor, banker, doctor, dentist, veterinarian, teacher
