Your Guide to Holiday Tipping
A roadmap of who should get what during the holidays.
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A Guide for Gifting - From the babysitter who offers to stay late to your doorman who holds your packages, there are lots of folks who help keep life organized throughout the year. As the holidays are the perfect time to give thanks, check out this tipping guide from Gifts.com for an idea of who gets what. – Britt Middleton (Photo: GettyImages)
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Babysitter - One-to-two nights’ pay should be adequate, but a gift card for his or her favorite store adds a personal touch. Photo: Monashee Frantz/Getty Images)
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Apartment Doorman - A bonus between $10 and $100 is ideal. However, it’s OK to only tip those who have offered the most help. (Photo: KEITH BEDFORD /LANDOV)
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Beautician/Hairstylist - The price of one haircut or one beauty session is enough to show you appreciate their work all year. If the hairstylist does both your cut and color, you may want to tip more, Gifts.com suggests. (Photo: Mike Brown/Commercial Appeal /Landov)
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Day Care - For the folks watching over your little ones, $25-$70 for each staff member is a welcomed gesture, or give more if just one person takes care of your child. Additionally, a small, personalized gift from your child such as a greeting card or holiday ornament adds a sweet touch. (Photo: Robert Giroux/Getty Images)
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Teacher - A cash gift between $25-$100 is gracious, especially since many teachers pay out-of-pocket for supplies for class activities. However, something more personalized such as a gift certificate for a spa day is an added bonus. Going in with other parents on a gift can help minimize costs, but you should check with your child’s school regarding its gift policy first. (Photo: Baltimore Sun/MCT /Landov)
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Personal Trainer - They keep you motivated all year, so return the favor by gifting your trainer with a personalized gift basket of healthy snacks or natural bath products. If you’re planning to tip cash, the cost of one session should be adequate. (Photo: KAREN ELSHOUT/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT /Landov)
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Building Superintendent - Between $10-$100 should be enough for your superintendent, but since the IRS considers tips as income, cash might be the best option, Gifts.com suggests. You can also tip less if you tip throughout the year.(Photo: Susan Tusa/Detroit Free Press/MCT /Landov)
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Dog Walker - Chasing after a pack of pooches all day can’t be easy. One-to-two weeks’ pay is a nice bonus, but adding in a pedicure is a nice, personalized way to show your appreciation. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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USPS Worker - As civil servants are not allowed to receive cash tips, a non-cash option of about $20 or less is appropriate, such as a gift card to a coffee shop. Even better, Gifts.com suggests sending a glowing letter to the worker’s supervisor, which could in effect mean more than a gift itself. (Photo: Doug Finger/Staff Photographer/Gainesville Sun /Landov)