The holiday season is a time of giving, joy, and, of course, tipping! Tipping during the holidays is a way to show appreciation to those who provide a service that makes our lives easier all year round. From your trusty building superintendent to your friendly post carrier or neighborhood dog walker, it’s time to spread some holiday cheer with these handy tips on who to tip and how much to give.
Before we dive into your holiday tip cheat sheet, it’s important to note that tipping culture is different in each country and even varies depending if you are in a rural community or a metropolitan (often tips are higher in cities). While tipping is a sign of gratitude to those who have offered you excellent service throughout the year, tipping is completely optional. While you may choose to tip one person or multiple, here is a list of people who you may be on your tip list this holiday season:
Delivery Helpers
Newspaper Carrier: $10 to $30 (or equivalent to one month of subscription)
Postal Carrier/Package Courier: Small gifts, cash or gift cards in the $20 range if you have a regular carrier. Note that in the USA, Federal postal workers are unable to accept a cash tip of more than $20. You can also gift them baked goods and a kind card to show gratitude
Garbage / Recycle Collector / Sanitation Workers: These weekly workers are often forgotten, but some of the most important to keep on your tip list. Try cash or gift cards in the $20-$25 range per worker.
Care Providers
Teacher/Tutor: $25 but never in cash; Instead try gift certificates to their favorite coffee shop or to a pampering nail salon. Add in a thoughtful note written by your child to make it extra special. By giving cash, it can be against school policy and also seen as bribery in many educational systems.
Private Home Health /Private Nurse: Check to see if they are able to receive cash; If so, one week’s pay.
Nursing Home Employees: Be sure to check company policy, as some employees at care homes are unable to receive tips; shared treats, lovely cards, homemade goodies or other thoughtful gifts are appreciated.
Housekeeper: Up to one week’s pay and/or a gift/thoughtful holiday card.
Nanny: A tip equal to one or two week’s pay, plus a personal gift from your child.
Babysitter: Cash or a gift equal to one or two night’s pay, plus a personal gift or holiday card from your child.
Dog Walker: One week’s pay and/or a thoughtful gift / thoughtful holiday card.
Pet Groomer: A tip or gift equal to the price of one session with your fur baby.
Aesthetician/ Hairstylist/ Barber / Manicurist/ Masseuse: If you have a regular go-to, tip the cost of one visit or a thoughtful gift.
Personal Trainer: Up to one session’s fee or a modest gift, depending on frequency and location of service.
The Home / Building Squad
Building Superintendent: $20 to $100
Considerations include: Are you in a metropolitan city or somewhere more rural? Tips for building supers in cities tend to make a little more due to the hustle, bustle and cost of living in cities. You also may want to consider how responsive and helpful your super has been throughout the year to help you determine the amount.
Doorman / Doorwoman/ Door person: $20 to $100 (or up to $150 to $200 if exceptional)
If you have multiple door attendants, $20 or more for each is thoughtful. For a single door attendant, consider the higher end if they go above and beyond.
Ask before tipping to see if there’s a holiday tip pool for all building employees. Often buildings will collect one sum and divide it.
Building Plumber / Electrician and Other Building Staff: $20 to $50
Gardener: $20 to $50 (up to a week’s pay if you have more frequent help)
Pool Cleaner: The cost of one cleaning (if a regular crew)
No need to tip if a different employee shows up each time.
Home Helpers and Handymen / Handyperson
Handyperson: $15 to $50 depending on how often they come.
Base the amount on the amount of work they’ve done for you over the year.
Mechanic: $20 (if you go regularly for car service)
Holiday Helpers
Christmas Tree Delivery: $20 for home delivery, an extra $5-$10 if they help you set it up! Consider including a tip when you pay your bill.
Gift Wrapper: $1 to $2 per package
Doctor/Therapist: Avoid gifting medical staff such as doctors or nurses a cash tip- it is often against policy to accept it. Instead try a homemade batch of brownies or holiday cookies for the team.
Day-Care Staff: $35 to $60 per staff member or ask management if there is a pool to chip into that will be equally divided. Don’t forget a small handmade gift from your child.
Office Etiquette
Assistant: $50- $75
Consider the length of their service, and how loyal they have been over the year(s). Also consider how senior you are within the company. Lastly, if an assistant gets a holiday bonus, you would likely opt for a thoughtful gift in addition to the bonus instead of a cash tip.
Boss: A thoughtful gift; Speak to your team or other colleagues about pooling resources to buy one large gift from the team.
Note: If you are experiencing a financially difficult time and are unable to give a cash tip, a beautiful handwritten thank you card or a home baked good can go a very long way.
Tip Timing
So when is the correct time to tip? Any time during the month of December when you see the person you wish to tip, but before any public holidays.
Remember, holiday tipping is all about saying thank you to those whose services make your life easier. It’s a gesture of gratitude, but also ensures continued loyalty and hard work for the year to come. So, go spread that holiday cheer and show your appreciation to those who deserve it most. Happy tipping and happy holidays!
Learn the exact time when to send a holiday card and why here.