Holiday tips: how much should you give to service employees?
The holidays are a time of showing our appreciation for those who help us. Part of that may be giving something extra to say “thank you” for their service.
The holiday season is a time of gift giving, charitable acts and generosity. Part of that includes showing our appreciation and gratitude to those who have provided us with the services that help us out through the year.
These could be the people who deliver us packages, tend to our children or help us or our homes look their best. But what is appropriate to say “thank you” to these people? Here is the guide to holiday tipping etiquette according to the experts.
Holiday tips: how much should you give to service employees?
For decades Emily Post helped spread the philosophy of good etiquette and manners not as tools of elitism, but as a tool for self-reflection and awareness of others. Her descendants have carried on the tradition since her passing updating their recommendations as the times change.
When it comes to holiday tipping, the first and foremost thing that these experts say you should take into consideration is your budget. You shouldn’t be obliged to break the bank so to say to show your gratitude. You may consider non-monetary gifts such as baked goods or small gifts whether store-bought or if you are more cash strapped homemade.
In some cases, even a polite card with a note expressing your gratitude may be enough, but should be included with any other gift that you give. A note with two or three sentences will suffice according to the Emily Post Institute.
Other factors that you should take into account when considering an end of the year “thank you” is whether it is someone to whom you regularly tip throughout the year. If so, a holiday tip may not be necessary. Maybe a more modest amount than would otherwise be thought recommendable or just a small gift.
Recommended holiday tips
- Full-time domestic help (butler, cook, or personal caregiver): Between a week and a month's pay, plus a gift.
- Housekeeper: Depending on frequency of visits, the equivalent of a day's pay for once a week, a week's pay if they come daily and/or a small gift.
- Babysitter, live-in nanny or au pair: Babysitter up to one evening's pay, the others up to a week’s pay as well as a small gift from your children.
- Pet groomer: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
- Dog walker: Up to one week's pay or a gift.
- Gardener: A gift or cash between $20-$50 each.
- Pool cleaner: The equivalent of one session in cash divided among the crew or a gift for each.
- Personal trainer/ massage therapist: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
- Beauty salon staff: Up to the cost of one salon visit divided between each staff member who works with you.
- Garbage/recycling collectors: $10 to $30 each if your city permits.
- Newspaper delivery person: Between $10 and $30 or give a small gift.
- Mail carrier: No cash allowed per USPS rules, small gift only. See rules
- Package deliverer: No cash, small gift only.
- Building superintendent: Between $20 and $80 or a gift.
- Doorman: Between $15 and $80 each or a gift.
- Elevator operator and handyman: Between $15 and $40 each or a gift.
- Garage attendant: Between $10 and $30 or a small gift.
Finally, use your common sense and factor in any other guidelines you would normally use when tipping. And don’t believe that if you don’t give a holiday tip that the service that person provides you will get worse.