When it comes to tipping, 'tis the season to be generous. However, it's not always easy to know who to tip and how much. Around the holidays, it's important, like always, to work within your means. Don't break the bank to tip outrageously. If you can't afford to give cash, go with a homemade gift, like a tin of cookies, and a sincere note. In fact, every tip should be accompanied by a very short note, says the Emily Post Institute. Tipping is a way of saying "thank you," and it's important to express gratitude in words as well as in gifts.
In general, the people you tip are those who provide you a service year-round. Remember, it's always important to factor tipping into the cost of a service. The true cost of a gardener is the gardener's fee plus a holiday tip. The true cost of a haircut is the hairdresser's fee plus a tip every time. If you do tip a worker every time, like with a hairdresser, it's alright to just go with a small gift around the holidays.
Here's a short guide that will help you figure out who needs to be tipped and how much, according to the Washington Post and the Emily Post institute.
Landlord/Superintendent: Cash or gift, $20-80.
Regular Babysitter: Cash equivalent of one session or a gift of that value.
Nanny: Cash equivalent of one week to one month's pay, plus a gift from you and your kids.
Live-in Housekeeper: Cash equivalent of one week to one month's pay, plus a gift.
Live-out Housekeeper: Cash equivalent of one week's pay, plus a small gift.
Hairdresser/Barber: Cash equivalent of one visit. If you tip generously after each visit, give a gift.
Mail Delivery Person: A small gift.
Gardener: Cash or gift, $20-50.
Massage Therapist: Cash equivalent of one session or a gift of that value.
Personal Trainer: Cash equivalent of one session or a gift of that value.
Dog Walker: Cash equivalent of one week's pay or a gift of that value.
Nail Salon Technician: Cash equivalent of one session or a gift of that value.
Trash Collector: Cash or gift, $10-30 each.
Handyman: Cash or gift, $15-40.
