| Makeover Tool | Share Slow-Cooker Recipes | Subscribe
|

Holiday Tipping Checklist

Envelope with money

How much is standard to tip at the holidays? Use the following guide. Have more holiday etiquette questions? Get expert answers to your holiday dilemmas here.

Give a Tip to Your….

  • Building superintendent: $20 to $100, depending on how responsive and helpful your super has been.

    Related: How to Make the Holidays More Affordable

  • Doorman: $20 to $100. If there are multiple doormen, $15 or more for each is fine; if you have only one, then the higher end of that range is more appropriate, especially if he is friendly and does a lot for you. The average holiday tip is $50.
  • Elevator operator/other building staff: $20 to $50. Check with your building association to see if there is a holiday tip pool that is shared by all of the building’s employees.
  • Landscaper/gardener: $20 to $50. If he or she comes frequently, give up to a week’s pay.
  • Pool cleaners: For a regular crew, the price of one cleaning, to divide among themselves. If a different employee shows up each visit, holiday tipping is unnecessary.
  • Newspaper carrier: $10 to $30, or the equivalent of one month of the subscription price. Sometimes you can include a tip when you pay your bill. Remember that adults usually do this job these days.
  • Handyman: $15 to $40, depending on how much work you’ve had him do.
  • Trash/recycling collectors: $10 to $30 each for private service; for public service, check your local municipality for regulations as some areas may not allow tipping.

Buy a Gift for Your….

  • Assistant: In addition to any end-of-the-year bonus, give a gift or gift card worth at least $50, depending on your position in the company and the assistant’s length of service. Avoid perfume, clothing, or anything that could be perceived as too personal.
  • Boss: While not necessary, a simple gift is a nice gesture. Talk to coworkers to see if they’d like to chip in to buy a gift card or a restaurant gift certificate.

    Related: 8 Unexpected Gift Card Ideas

  • Teacher/tutor: Don’t spend more than $25. Assuming the school allows gifts, give something such as a bookstore or restaurant gift certificate, a picture frame, a coffee shop gift card, or a homemade gift from your child, accompanied by a hand-written thank-you note. Gifts aren’t as common at middle schools and high schools where each child has five or more teachers.
  • Home health employees/private nurse: A modest gift that shows your appreciation. Cash is not a good option. Be sure to check with the agency first, as some prohibit gifts.
  • Nursing home employees: Check company policy. Cash is not appropriate, but something that can be shared among the staff, like chocolate, cookies, or flowers, is a great idea.
  • Letter carrier/package courier: While nothing is expected, if you have a friendly relationship with the person, then a small gift or gift card in the $20 range is a nice gesture. Anything more valuable than that is prohibited by the United States Postal Service. FedEx allows tips or a gift worth up to $75, while UPS does not have an official policy.
  • Nanny/au pair: A tip equal to one or two week’s pay, plus a personal gift from your child(ren), such as a framed crayon or marker portrait showing the child’s appreciation. Avoid kid-oriented gifts; an attractive handbag might score major points.
  • Day-care staff: $25 to $70 each for those who have direct contact with your child(ren), plus a small, personal gift from your offspring. If only one person takes care of your kids, shoot for the higher end of that range. A gift certificate is fine, but take the time to include a hand-written card.

Give a Tip or a Gift to Your….

  • Babysitter: Cash or a gift equal to one or two night’s pay. A personal gift from your child(ren) is always appreciated as well.

    Related: 9 Festive Holiday Wrapping Paper Ideas

  • Cleaning lady: Up to one week’s pay and/or a gift.
  • Dog walker: One week’s pay and/or a gift. While tips are the norm, a down vest for winter walks, a massage, and other spa treatments are all thoughtful gift options.
  • Pet groomer: A tip or gift in the ballpark of the price of one session.
  • Hairstylist/manicurist/barber: The cost of one visit, or a gift of equivalent worth. If you deal with more than one person at a given establishment, give cash so they can split it among themselves.
  • Personal trainer/yoga instructor/massage therapist: Up to one session’s fee or a modest gift, depending on how often you see him/her and whether he/she comes to your home. Avoid giving chocolate, cookies, or other unhealthy foods.
  • Personal caregiver: Up to a week’s salary and/or a modest gift.

Related Content

Wreath of holiday gift cards

8 Unexpected Gift Card Ideas

Old news? Not this year. Creative and personal gift-giving picks from our 2011 gift guide.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

View Earlier Comments

Check It Off!

Get Real Simple's easy-to-follow monthly to-do list (see a sample).
Advertisement