Holiday Tipping Guide from MoneyTalks
Dec 11, 2012 -- 5:01amService Provider | Options | Suggested Amount or Gift |
Au pair or live-in nanny | Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well. | One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren). |
Regular babysitter | Cash | One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren). |
Day care provider | Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren). | A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren). |
Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper) | Cash and a personal gift | One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you. |
Private nurse | Gift | A thoughtful gift from you. |
Home health employees | Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency. | A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.) |
Housekeeper/Cleaner | Cash and/or a gift | Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift. |
Nursing home employees | A gift (not cash). Check company policy first. | A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items). |
Barber | Cash or gift | Cost of one haircut or a gift. |
Beauty salon staff | Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service. | The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you. |
Personal trainer | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Massage therapist | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Pet groomer | Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year). | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
Dog walker | Cash or gift | Up to one week’s pay or a gift. |
Personal caregiver | Cash or gift | Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift. |
Pool cleaner | Cash or gift | The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew. |
Garage attendants | Cash or small gift | $10-30 or a small gift |
Newspaper delivery person | Cash or small gift | $10-30 or a small gift |
Mail carrier | Small gift only | See special details below |
Package deliverer | Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.) | Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts. |
Superintendent | Cash or gift | $20-80 or a gift |
Doorman | Cash or gift | $15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift. |
Elevator operator | Cash or gift | $15-40 each |
Handyman | Cash or gift | $15 to $40 |
Trash/Recycling collectors | Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service. | $10-30 each |
Yard/Garden worker | Cash or gift | $20-50 each |
Teachers | Gift (not cash) | A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child. |
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