Give a Tip to Your….

• done!Building superintendent:

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

  Related: How to Make the Holidays More Affordable
• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!Landscaper/gardener:

  $20 to $50. If he or she comes frequently, give up to a week’s pay.

• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!Handyman:

  $15 to $40, depending on how much work you’ve had him do.

• done!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….

• done!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.

• done!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: 9 Unexpected Gift Card Ideas
• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!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….

• done!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: Creative Gift Wrap Solutions
• done!Cleaning lady:

  Up to one week’s pay and/or a gift.

• done!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.

• done!Pet groomer:

  A tip or gift in the ballpark of the price of one session.

• done!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.

• done!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.

• done!Personal caregiver:

  Up to a week’s salary and/or a modest gift.

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