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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.