We all want to give with our hearts, but our wallets may not have gotten the memo. If you plan on showing your appreciation this holiday season in the form of a monetary gift, then this post is for you. My holiday tipping guide will help you stay within an appropriate range without being cheap or going overboard!
CHILD CARE
- Babysitter: 1 evening’s pay
- Nanny: 1 week’s to 1 month’s pay
- Daycare providers: $25-$70/each
- Child’s teacher: Gift (but check school’s policy to see if it’s allowed)
HOME & APARTMENT SERVICE
- Housekeeper: 1 week’s pay or more (depending on length of service)
- Trash collectors: $15-$20 each
- Gardener: $20-$50
- Doormen: $20-$100 each (those who provide the most service for you should get more than those whom you barely see)
- Superintendent/custodian: $30-$100 (closer to $100 if there’s no doorman and few staff)
- Porters/handymen: $10-$50 each
PERSONAL CARE
- Hairdresser: Cost of 1 cut (or $20-$100) if you go frequently
- Manicurist: Cost of 1 session (or $10-$50)
- Personal trainer: $25 up to 1 week’s pay (or cost of 1 session)
PET CARE
- Dog groomer: Small gift + ¼ to ½ the cost of 1 session
- Dog walker: Cost of 1 session up to 1 week’s pay
DELIVERY SERVICES
- U.S. mail carrier: Gifts under $20*
- UPS & FedEx: $15 (if you get regular deliveries)
*Civil servants are not allowed to receive cash tips. But if you wish to recognize your mail carrier, the U.S. Postal Service asks that your gratuity not exceed $20 in cash value.
Have I forgotten someone? Let me your tipping suggestions to make the season bright!
2 comments
This is a great list. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what I should be tipping for the holiday’s and this helps a lot!
Glad I could help you out. It’s sometimes a touchy subject and you never want to seem like you don’t appreciate those people who do so much for you during the year.