Holiday Tipping Demystified
By Kristi Vaughan
Wondering who to tip this holiday season? Or how much? Wonder no more. A survey of Consumer Reports subscribers and the etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute provide some answers.
Who to Tip
The custom of tipping service providers varies widely from region to region. If you are new to an area ask friends and neighbors who they have tipped in the past. In big cities, for example, it is customary to tip doormen, parking attendants and your apartment building’s superintendent.
Your lifestyle and habits, too, will guide your tipping. If you regularly get your nails manicured at a favorite salon, you can add the manicurist to your list. How about massages or personal trainers?
Do you have children? If so, are they in school? Teachers can be overwhelmed with gifts – and sweets -- at holiday time so a well-thought out gift that meets a classroom need might be appreciated. The au pair or nanny who is caring for your child in your home, however, might benefit from an extra weeks pay and perhaps a personal gift from your child.
The people who care for your lawn, pool or snowplowing are candidates for tips as are letter carriers, package deliverers and newspaper deliverers.
How Much to Tip
The size of the holiday tip usually is determined by the relationship you have with the service provider, the quality of service and the frequency you use that service. The relative affluence of an area also will play a role.
According to the Emily Post Institute the following are guidelines you can use in determining an appropriate amount:
| Au pair | 1 week's pay plus gift from child |
| Regular babysitter | 1 evening's pay plus gift from child |
| Nanny | 1 week - 1 month's pay plus gift from child |
| Day care provider | $25 - 70 each plus gift from child |
| Teacher | Check school policy; cash usually is not acceptable. Consider gift certificates or a gift from the whole class. |
| Hairdresser/barber | $10 - 60 each or cost of haircut |
| Housekeeper | 1 day's pay |
| Newspaper deliverer | $10 - 30 |
| Mail carrier | Non-cash gift worth no more than $20 |
| Yard and garden workers | $20 - 50 |
| Apartment doorman | $10 - 80 |
| Apartment superintendent | $20 - 80 |
Presentation matters
When presenting the gift consider enclosing money in a nice handwritten card or accompanying it with a note. Not only will this help the recipient know where the gift came from but this is an opportunity for you to express your appreciation for the service.
