Holiday Tipping Guide... Not Just for the Waitstaff!

Traditionally the holiday season is a time to thank those who provide a service to you throughout the year. Providing tips to your ensemble of service workers is way to say "thank you" for what they do.

But do you know who to tip or how much to tip them? What if you are on a tight budget and can't afford a monetary gift? Here are some things to think about when you are deciding who to give what:

1) Budget: You must set an amount and stick to it! You should never think you are obligated to go above and beyond your budget.

2) If you have limited funds, then give a handmade gift. Cookies, brownies, sausage balls, chocolate covered pretzels, etc. are wonderful gifts and the cost is minimal.

3) Don't just wrap it up and throw it at them! Always add a small personal note inside each gift explaining how much you appreciate their service.

4) If you are a good tipper and you tip at the time of service, then you can give a simple card or heartfelt note in place of a tip or gift.

5) Always consider the relationship you have with the person and use this to guide your giving. For instance, you most likely have a better relationship with your hairdresser or barber than your garbage person. Give a tip that is suitable for the relationship.

6) Be sure to contact the person employer to ensure you are not breaking any company policies. The United States Postal Service does not allow monetary gifts.

7) A year end tip is a way of saying thank you. Don't think that if you don't present someone with a tip that your service will be worse next year.

Your service providers are those that make your life easier and keep it moving forward. Below is a list of some common services where tipping is socially accepted. The list also contains suggestions about how much to give or what to give.

Child caregiver: Avg. price $25, everyone that tends to your child should receive a tip.

Nanny: A weeks pay is a good tip.

Babysitter: Average earning for one babysitting session.

School Teacher: Avg. price $20, every teacher your child has should receive a tip.

Hairdresser: Average price of visit to the hairdresser. Guys this includes you too! Don't forget your barber!

Housekeeper/Cleaner: If you have a full-time housekeeper, one week's pay is the normal tip. If you have an as-needed house cleaner, one visit's pay in the normal gift.

Manicurist: One visit's cost is the normal gift.

Postal Carrier: USPS rules cite that the carrier's can only accept a non-cash gift of $20 or less. Just put the tip or gift in the mail box and raise the flag!

Garbage Pick-up: $10 is standard.

Pet Walker/Groomer: The equivalent to one visit is acceptable.

Waitstaff: If you have a favorite waitstaff member, please remember the acceptable tip would be 20% extra, if you are in the restaurant. If you are dropping the tip off to them, a gift of $10-$20 is sufficient.

Remember that holiday tipping is a way to say thank you at the end of the year. Stay on budget, use these tips, and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

sources: consumerreports.com