Happy holidays! Many of us want to show our appreciation to the people who have provided loyal and excellent service to us throughout the year. Unfortunately this causes anxiety and stress for those of us who aren’t sure who to tip and how much. This is an extensive guide that will address those questions. Any gesture of thanks and acknowledgement of hard work is always welcome. An end of the year tip isn’t required but it is appreciated. Theoretically if you can afford to use a service most of the year someone provides it is considered good manners to tip them at the end of the year. It goes without saying that 2020 has been an extremely difficult year for most people. I would encourage everyone that is able to tip, please do. It may help if you think of this as a bonus instead of a tip. Not to worry if you have yet to extend that appreciation, there’s still time. I’ve heard service people say they receive tips through February. As you determine what to do next please consider the following and look at the list below –  

Your budget – you shouldn’t feel obligated to go beyond what you can reasonably afford. If you cannot afford a tip then consider a homemade gift. 

Every tip or gift should be accompanied by a handwritten note that expresses your appreciation. 

If you regularly tip at the time of service, you may forgo a holiday or year-end tip, you may give a more modest holiday thank you or small gift instead.  

The quality and frequency of the service you receive. 

The relationship with the service provider. 

Your location: tipping averages tend to be higher in larger cities. 

Length of service: the number of years you have been receiving the service. 

Regional customs. 

Type of establishment or business: is it deluxe or moderate? 

When in doubt call and ask what the company policy is and what they typically see from other customers. 

You should be guided by common sense, specific circumstances and holiday spirit. 

Don’t think that if you don’t tip you won’t receive good service in the next year. If you feel that is the case you may want to speak to a supervisor or manager. 

Who to tip and how much –

Au pair or nanny should receive one week’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren). 

Babysitter should receive one evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren). 

Bartender should receive $20-$40 if it is someone you see regularly. 

Beauty salon staff should receive the cost of one visit divided by each staff member you work with .

Christmas tree carrier should receive $20 for home delivery. An attentive carrier that also offers service as you select a tree should receive $10. $5 should go to the person that bundled the tree and loaded it into the car.  

Coffee shop barista should receive $20 if it is someone you see regularly. 

Country club staff should receive $50 if it is someone that regularly helps you. 

Day care provider, each staff member who works with your child(ren) should receive $20-$70 and a small gift from your child(ren). 

Dog walker should receive one week’s pay.  

Doorman should receive $50-$100 depending on extra duties.  

Driver/limousine service should receive $20-$50 or 20% of monthly bill. 

Elevator operator should receive $20-$50.  

Errand runner should receive from $50 up to one week’s pay depending on how often you use them. 

Food delivery drivers should receive 20% of the total bill or $5, whichever is greater. 

Full- time domestic help (housekeeper, cook, butler) should receive from one week to one month’s salary plus a gift from you. 

Garage attendant should receive $10-$40.  

Gas station attendant should receive $10-$20 if it is someone you see regularly. 

Gift wrapper should receive $1-$2 per package up to $10 if tips are allowed.  

Hairstylist, barber, beautician (colorist, waxing technician, eyebrow specialist) should receive $25-$50 if you regularly tip each time you visit the salon, if not then they should receive the equivalent to one visit. 

Handyman should receive $20-$50.  

Home health employees should receive a thoughtful gift from you if gift-giving is not against company policy. I suggest checking with the agency first about their gift/tip giving policy. If no policy is in place you may also want to donate to the agency. 

Housekeeper/cleaner should receive one day’s pay or $50 if they come once a week. If they come daily they should receive one week’s pay and possibly a small gift. 

Mail carrier should receive a small gift as they are not allowed to receive cash. Mail carriers working for USPS are allowed to receive the following – snacks, beverages (nonalcoholic) and perishable gifts that are not part of a meal; small gifts that have little intrinsic value and are clearly $20 or less. Gifts cannot exceed $50 per calendar year. Perishable items clearly worth more than $20 must be shared with the entire branch. Mail carriers working for USPS may not accept the following – cash, checks, gift cards or any other form of currency.  

Manicurist should receive the equivalent to one visit. 

Massage therapist should receive the cost of one session. 

Mechanic should receive $20 if you regularly go for service.  

Music teacher (private teacher , i.e. piano, clarinet or guitar instructor) should receive the equivalent to one lesson.

Newspaper delivery person should receive $10-$30.  

Nursing home employees should be given a gift, not cash, that can be shared by the staff like flowers or food items. Check company policy first.  

Package delivery person should receive a small gift in the $20 range if you receive packages regularly. Most delivery companies discourage or do not allow cash gifts. UPS does not have a limit, tipping is left to the customer’s discretion – $25 is recommended if you receive deliveries regularly. FedEX discourages gift cash and gift cards. The driver will politely decline the holiday gratuity. Driver may ultimately accept the gift if you are insistent. The gift should be no more than $25.  

Personal care giver should receive one week’s pay up to one month’s salary.  

Personal trainers should receive the cost of one session. 

Pet groomer/trainer should receive the cost of one session if it’s the same person that grooms your pet throughout the year.  

Pet sitter should receive one week’s pay. 

Pool cleaner should receive the cost of one cleaning to be divided equally among the crew.  

Private nurse should receive a thoughtful gift from you. 

Snow remover/shoveler should receive the cost of one session. 

Superintendent should receive $20-$80.  

Teacher, you should consider a group gift by pooling funds with other parents. 

Trash/Recycling collectors should receive $10-$30 apiece but check regulations in case it is a municipal service.  

Tutors should receive the cost of one session plus a gift from your child(ren), depending on the frequency of use. 

Waiter/waitress should receive $20-$40 if it is someone you see regularly.

Yard/Garden worker should receive $20-$50.  

Yoga/pilates instructor should receive the cost of one session. 

The following do not need to be tipped but you should send a holiday card or drop off a gift- 

Accountant/CPA 

Attorney 

Auditor 

Banker (the wise and generous Nan Parrish gifts her bankers fabulous toffee and candy for the holidays) 

Bookkeeper 

Doctor, dentist, therapist – platters of cookies or fruit can be shared by the entire staff 

Dry cleaner – the entire staff could enjoy a box of donuts or a basket of fruit 

Executive coach 

Members, Board of Directors, Trustees 

Physical therapist

Seamstress, tailor 

Veterinarian