A Guide to Holiday Tipping: Who to Tip and How Much

‘Tis the season for giving, and that includes showing gratitude to those who make our lives easier throughout the year. But when it comes to holiday tipping, it can be tricky to figure out who to tip and how much. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ll walk you through the etiquette of holiday tipping, so you can spread some cheer without breaking the bank.

Let’s start with who to tip. First and foremost, consider the people who provide essential services that make your life more convenient. This includes your mail carrier, who braves the elements to deliver your mail day in and day out. A small gift or a $10 to $20 tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

Next, think about your regular caregivers. Whether it’s a babysitter, daycare provider, or pet sitter, these individuals take care of your loved ones when you can’t. Consider giving a tip equivalent to one session or a week’s worth of their services as a heartfelt thank you.

Don’t forget about the people who keep your home running smoothly. Your cleaning person, gardener, or handyman work hard to maintain your living space. A tip equivalent to one visit or their usual fee is a generous gesture that won’t go unnoticed.

If you live in an apartment building, there are a few more people to consider. Your building superintendent, doorman, and maintenance staff all contribute to your living experience. A tip of $20 to $100 per person is customary, depending on the level of service provided.

Now that you know who to tip, let’s talk about how much. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you should adjust them based on your budget and the level of service you receive. If you can’t afford the suggested amount, a heartfelt note or a small homemade gift can still go a long way in expressing your appreciation.

It’s also important to consider any company policies or regulations that may restrict tipping. Some companies prohibit employees from accepting cash, so it’s best to check beforehand. In cases like these, a thoughtful gift or a handwritten thank-you note is a great alternative.

Remember, holiday tipping is a personal choice, and no one should feel obligated to participate. If it’s not feasible for you to tip this year, a verbal thank-you and a warm smile are always appreciated.

In conclusion, holiday tipping is a way to show gratitude to those who make our lives easier. By considering who to tip and how much, you can spread joy and appreciation this holiday season. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a small gift, or a monetary tip, your gesture will surely brighten someone’s day.

Holiday tipping is a wonderful way for me to express my gratitude. But who should I tip during the holidays? This guide to holiday tipping will assist me in determining that.

Make sure to watch an informative video by consumer expert Clark Howard called Full Show: Holiday Tipping Guide and Tax Credit Warning. In this video, he offers advice on how much to tip the hardworking individuals who provide excellent service in our everyday lives.

Getting to Know Holiday Tipping

I love the tradition of holiday tipping! It’s something that many cultures and businesses cherish worldwide. And you know what? It’s not just about being polite and showing gratitude. It’s about strengthening our relationships with the people who make our lives better every day.

Now that the holidays are approaching, you might be wondering about the whole etiquette of tipping. Who should you include on your list? Well, let me give you five really good reasons why holiday tipping is absolutely essential:

• Appreciating Consistent Service: You know, there are so many professionals who work hard all year round to make sure things go smoothly for us. From the mail carrier to the doorman, and even your regular hairstylist – they always provide top-notch service. Giving them a holiday tip is just a way to show them that we appreciate their dedication throughout the year.
• Building Strong Relationships: When I give tips during the holidays, it helps me build strong relationships with the people I interact with regularly. It shows them that I appreciate the service they provide and want to maintain a positive relationship in the coming year.
• A Gesture of Goodwill: The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy. When you give tips, you’re participating in this season of goodwill and making sure that the spirit of generosity reaches as many people as possible.
• Encouraging Quality Service: A tip can also serve as a token of appreciation for exceptional service. By giving tips during the holidays, you’re also encouraging these professionals to continue providing high-quality service in the future.

Holiday Tipping Guide

Mail and Package Delivery Services

When it comes to showing appreciation for your mail and package delivery personnel, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.

If you have a USPS letter carrier who delivers your mail, you have the option to give them a gift. The USPS allows them to accept gifts worth up to $20 in value. However, keep in mind that they cannot receive cash. Offering a gift card might be the most convenient choice.

For UPS package delivery, if you regularly interact with a specific driver, you can consider tipping them. The suggested value for a tip is around $25. It’s important to note that UPS prefers tips not to be given in cash.

When it comes to FedEx package delivery, their drivers are allowed to receive gifts worth up to $75 in value. If you feel inclined to show your gratitude, a thoughtful gift within this price range would be appropriate.

For other delivery services, such as newspaper delivery or courier services, you can offer a tip of up to $30 during the holidays. This is a way of expressing your thanks for their reliable service throughout the year.

Remember, tipping your mail and package delivery personnel is a way of acknowledging their hard work, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.

Practical Advice:

When it comes to tipping, it’s important to remember a few key things. Firstly, consider adding a personal touch by including a note of thanks along with your tip. This simple gesture can make the tip more meaningful and show your appreciation for the service provided.

Secondly, if you’re unsure about the exact amount to tip, it’s always better to err on the side of generosity. This is particularly important if you receive frequent deliveries or interact with the same building staff members regularly. A little extra can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.

In summary, don’t forget to add a personal note of thanks and be generous with your tipping when it comes to the building staff. They work hard to provide you with a comfortable living environment, so let them know you appreciate their efforts.



If you work in a fancy building, there are a bunch of different people who make sure everything runs smoothly, from the people at the entrance to the ones who keep everything clean and working well. You might not talk to all of them all the time, but when it comes to deciding who to give holiday tips to, pick the ones that matter most to your business.

• Cleaning Staff: The amount you tip the cleaning crew depends on how much you usually pay them. Give them about what you would pay for one cleaning session. If there are a lot of people on the team, split the tip among all of them.
• Landscaping or Gardeners: The people who take care of the outside of your building might not be as busy in the winter, but you can still give them a tip of $15 to $40 each.
• When it comes to doormen or security guards, tips can range widely. If you don’t interact with them often, you can give as little as $10 during the holidays. But if they help you a lot throughout the year, you can be more generous and give as much as $80.
• If your building has a supervisor or superintendent, it’s a good idea to give them a tip of up to $100 at the end of the year. However, if their responsibilities are limited or if you’ve already been tipping them throughout the year, you can give as little as $20.

Building staff, including cleaners, landscapers, and doormen, often go unnoticed, but they play a big part in making your life easier. Tipping them is not only a kind gesture, but also a way to show appreciation for their hard work.

Practical Advice:

• If you have a limited budget, focus on tipping those you interact with most frequently.

When it comes to services that we all use together, like cleaning and landscaping, I have a suggestion for you. Instead of giving small tips on your own, why not team up with other people in your building or businesses nearby to create a bigger, more generous tip? By pooling your money together, you can make a bigger impact and show your appreciation for the hard work they do.

Now, let’s move on to a topic that is especially important for parents – child care professionals. These are the amazing people who take care of our children while we’re at work or busy with other things. They deserve our gratitude and support just like anyone else.

When it comes to giving gifts to the important people in your life, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Let’s take a look!

Teachers: The value of gifts for teachers can range from $25 to $100, depending on where you live. Instead of giving cash, it’s usually a better idea to get them a gift card. But before you go shopping, make sure to check with the school to see if they have any specific policies about holiday gifts.

Babysitters: If you have someone who looks after your kids on a regular basis, it’s nice to show your appreciation during the holidays. In addition to paying them for an extra night, you could also get them a special gift from your child. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Full-Time Nanny: Your full-time nanny plays a big role in your family’s life. Depending on how long they’ve been working for you, it’s a good idea to give them the equivalent of at least one week’s pay, and you could even go up to one month’s pay. And don’t forget to get them a personal gift from your child. It shows that you value their hard work and care.

Daycare Service: Many people rely on daycare services to take care of their little ones. If your child goes to daycare, it’s a nice idea to give a gift to each person who interacts with your child. The value of these gifts should be between $20 and $70. It’s a thoughtful way to show your gratitude for their dedication and care.

Dog Sitter/Walker: If you have someone who takes care of your furry friend while you’re away, it’s important to show your appreciation. Consider giving them cash or a gift card that’s equivalent to about one or two week’s pay. It’s a great way to say thank you for taking care of your beloved pet.

Remember, the holidays are a time for giving, but it’s also important to keep in mind your own budget. Give what you can and always remember that small gestures can mean a lot. Happy gifting!

So, you know those amazing child care professionals who take care of your little ones? Well, they play a super important role in supporting your family or business. And you know what? It’s holiday tipping time, my friend! It’s your chance to show them just how much you appreciate their dedication and care.

Now, let me give you some practical advice on how to go about this:

• First things first, make it personal! Take a little time to write a heartfelt note or have your child make a small handmade gift. Trust me, that personal touch will make your appreciation shine even brighter.

Time for Restaurants and Hospitality Staff

Let’s talk about tipping. It’s important to show gratitude to the people who serve us regularly. Here’s a breakdown of who to tip and how much:

– Waitstaff: If you have someone who always takes care of you at events or your regular meeting spots, like a bartender or server, give them a tip between $10 and $50.

– Maitre D: If you have a favorite restaurant and there’s a super awesome waiter or waitress there who always goes above and beyond, show your appreciation with a tip between $50 and $100.

– Golf Professionals: If you often have meetings on the golf course and you have a caddy or instructor who helps you out, give them a tip of $50 or the cost of one session.

– Front Desk: When you stay at hotels or visit country clubs with front desk attendants who make your experience better, it’s nice to tip them. The amount can be anywhere from $10 to $50, depending on how often you interact with them.

– Locker Room Attendants: If you regularly visit country clubs or health clubs with locker room attendants, it’s a good idea to give them a tip during the holidays. The amount can be between $10 and $50.

Remember, these are just general guidelines to give you an idea. Tipping is a personal choice, so do what feels right for you. It’s all about showing appreciation and spreading some kindness.

If you work in the hospitality industry, you know that the holiday season can get pretty crazy. But fear not, because I’ve got some helpful tips for you to make your life a little easier during this time.

Let me share some practical advice with you:

• First things first, remember that making a personal connection with your customers can make a tip feel extra special. So don’t be afraid to show your gratitude and say something like, Thank you for the amazing service this year! It can go a long way, trust me.

Calling all Service Professionals!

When it comes to showing appreciation for the people who assist me in various aspects of my life, I like to give them a little something extra to express my gratitude. Here are some guidelines I follow for tipping certain individuals I interact with regularly:

Transportation Service: If there’s a driver I rely on frequently, I believe it’s nice to give them about 20 percent of my monthly bill to show my gratitude.

Parking Attendants: For those parking or garage attendants I often encounter, I think it’s fair to give them a tip of anywhere between $10 and $30.

Virtual Assistant: If my business utilizes a virtual assistant, I find it appropriate to give them a $50 tip during the holiday season, or the equivalent of one hour’s pay.

Freelancers: For any freelancers who lend their skills to my business on a contract basis throughout the year, I think it’s a good gesture to tip them the equivalent of their hourly rate, or at least $50.

Beauty Professionals: If I have a hairdresser, barber, or manicurist whom I see on a regular basis, I believe it’s considerate to tip them about 15 to 20 percent of the normal service cost during the holidays. Of course, this should be in addition to the tip I provide after each individual service.

Following these guidelines helps me express my appreciation to the individuals who make my life easier and more enjoyable. I hope you find them useful as well!

As a business owner, I know the importance of the service professionals who help keep my daily operations running smoothly. From transportation services to parking attendants and freelancers, these individuals have a direct impact on my business. That’s why it’s crucial to show appreciation during the holiday season by giving them a tip.

Now, let me give you some practical advice:

• If you’re a regular customer, consider giving a slightly higher tip than the suggested amount. This way, you can acknowledge their consistent service and forge stronger business relationships.

Who should you not tip?

Usually, we don’t give extra money to experts like accountants or doctors. But if you think they did an exceptional job and you want to show your appreciation, you can give them a gift instead.

Instead of just giving money, a better option would be to give a nice gift basket filled with delicious treats or a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

I’ve got some important info for you about tipping. First things first, government employees aren’t allowed to receive cash tips. So keep that in mind. And before you start tipping, it’s a good idea to check if the company you’re dealing with has any specific tipping rules.

Tipping is pretty common, but not everyone expects a tip. Some professionals just don’t traditionally get them. Knowing this can help you avoid any awkward situations and make sure your gesture is appropriate and appreciated.

Now, here are some practical tips for you:

• If you’re not sure about tipping, a thoughtful gift or a heartfelt thank-you card can be a great alternative to giving cash.

How to Decide on a Tipping Budget for the Holidays

When it comes to holiday tipping, it’s your chance to show some extra appreciation to the people who have helped you and your business throughout the year. If you don’t have a lot to spend, it’s best to reserve it for those who you interact with on a regular basis.

If you can’t afford to give cash or gift cards to everyone, it’s okay to give gifts that have a similar value. Just remember not to give cheap promotional items with your company’s logo instead of cash. A thoughtful gift basket or a sincere note and card would be more suitable.

If you can afford to give a little more to those on your list, make sure it’s something you can sustain year after year. You don’t want to create unrealistic expectations that you won’t be able to fulfill in the future.

• To make sure you have enough money to tip everyone during the holidays without feeling financially stressed, start planning your tipping budget ahead of time.
• Think about who you want to tip and how much you want to give each person.
• Allocate a portion of your budget each month to saving up for holiday tipping.
• By starting early, you can gradually set aside the necessary funds and avoid a last-minute financial crunch.

A Summary of Who You Should Tip at the Holidays

The Key Points to Remember

Holiday tipping is a tradition that has a big impact on forming relationships and showing appreciation for those who make our daily lives more comfortable.

• Recognize Consistent Service: Tip the people who have consistently provided good service throughout the year. You can even give them a bigger tip since it’s the holidays!
• Build Stronger Relationships: Use tipping as a way to make your bond stronger with the people you interact with regularly.
• Participate in the Season of Giving: Spread happiness and kindness by including as many people as possible in your holiday tipping.
• Encourage Quality Service: Your tips motivate people to keep providing high-quality service.
• Think About Who Not to Tip: Keep in mind the people who usually don’t receive tips, like professionals and government employees. Instead of money, consider giving them gifts when appropriate.
• Plan Your Tipping Budget: Decide how much money you want to spend on tipping during the holidays. It’s important to make sure you can afford it and that your gestures are meaningful.

Remember, tipping isn’t just about giving money. It’s a way to show appreciation and kindness. The guidelines I’ve shared can help you navigate this tradition with thoughtfulness and grace.

The holiday season is the perfect time to show the people around you that you appreciate their hard work and want to acknowledge it. It’s these connections with others that make the holidays truly special.

When it comes to holiday tipping, it’s an important way to show appreciation and strengthen relationships. It’s a thoughtful practice that lets people know you’re grateful for their service. So, when you’re planning who to tip and how much to give, there are a few things you should consider.

First, think about the frequency and quality of the service you receive. If someone goes above and beyond for you throughout the year, it’s nice to acknowledge that with a more generous tip. On the other hand, if the service is less frequent or not as exceptional, a smaller tip is still a nice way to show gratitude.

Next, you need to think about your personal budget. It’s important to be mindful of what you can afford. You shouldn’t stretch yourself too thin or go above your means just to give a big tip. Your gratitude can still be expressed in a meaningful way, even if the monetary value isn’t huge.

Lastly, it’s helpful to know what’s typical in your community. Different places have different customs when it comes to holiday tipping. So, it’s worth checking out what’s considered standard in your area. This can give you a good starting point for deciding how much to give.

Remember, the essence of holiday tipping is all about appreciation, not just the amount of money you give. It’s about recognizing the people who contribute to your daily life and business and making their holiday season a little brighter.

If you want more guidance on specific amounts and other insights, I recommend checking out resources like Clark Howard’s video. It can give you some helpful tips to make the decision-making process a bit easier.

So, as you head into the holiday season, I hope it’s filled with joy, gratitude, and thoughtful giving. Take the time to show your appreciation to those who make a difference in your life. Happy holidays!