Holiday Tipping Guide: Here’s How Much To Give Valued Service Providers
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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If you’re like many people, you outsource your fair share of services. Since the holidays are a time for giving, you might be wondering if you need to tip these professionals, and if so, how much is expected.
Holiday tipping is about saying thank you, according to the Emily Post Institute. This may cause you to feel guilty if you can’t afford to tip or can only budget in a small amount — but that shouldn’t be the case.
“In our tip-happy society, it’s easy to accumulate a very long list of people you could potentially tip,” said Kristi Spencer, etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. “If your budget doesn’t allow for this, prioritize those you interact with or depend on the most.”
If holiday tipping doesn’t fit into your budget, she said that’s also OK.
“Even if you can’t afford a tip, a thoughtful card with a handwritten message is always appreciated,” she said.
If you can afford to tip, use this guide to help determine how much to give your valued service providers this season.
Hair Stylists
Your hair stylist makes you look and feel good, so you may want to thank them with a holiday bonus.
“Giving a gift is a popular option for hair stylists, especially if you tip well during your regular visits,” she said. “If you would rather give a cash gift, you can choose any amount up to the cost of one visit.”
Trash Collectors and Mail Carriers
“When it comes to trash collectors and mail and package carriers, it’s best to check the company’s guidelines,” she said. “The USPS, for instance, can only accept a gift worth up to $20.”
In these cases, she said offering a consumable gift might be the best choice.
(Worth noting, the USPS allows mail carries to accept non-cash gift items up to $20 in value. This can be a retail gift card, non-meal modest food item or any other non-cash item valued at less than $20.)
Dog Walkers, Housekeepers, Landscapers
Keeping a household in order can take a team. If this is true for your family, you might want to offer something extra this month.
“Tipping up to one week’s service is the best advice for service providers like dog walkers, housekeepers and lawn services,” she said.
Nannies and Au Pairs
“Nannies and au pairs are typically given a tip from the parents that is equivalent to one week up to one month’s pay and a gift from the child,” she said.
If you can afford it, this can be a kind gesture, as these professionals have the most important job on your payroll.
Babysitters
“If you have a babysitter you use around the holidays, it’s a nice gesture to tip them a night’s pay up to a week’s worth, depending on how often you use them,” she said.
No matter how much you can afford, you can be certain receiving a little extra money will be well-received.
Teachers
“If you are wondering if you should give your child’s teacher a holiday gift, a small gift is appropriate, but cash is not,” she said. “It’s best to think of something the teacher can use for the class.”
Ultimately, she said it’s important to make sure the recipient feels valued by your gift.
“No matter what you decide to tip, make sure that it is accompanied by a heartfelt in-person thank you, when possible, and a handwritten note thanking them for all they do to make your life easier throughout the year,” she said.
Showing gratitude to your village during the holiday season means a lot — whether you can afford to tip or not. If you can’t work tipping into your budget, saying a sincere ‘thank you’ and writing a heartfelt note is another meaningful way to show appreciation.
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