Holiday Tipping Guide

Holiday Tipping: Who? How Much?


'Tis the season when everyone gets a gift. But how do you thank mail deliverers and dog walkers? The ultimate thank-you guide for a year of good service.

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Letter Carrier, Package Courier

Tip or Gift? Tip.
What to Give: You're not expected to give anything. But if you have a personal relationship with your letter carrier, or frequently receive packages from the same courier, give a small gift or a gift card for $20 or less.
What to Consider: U.S. postal carriers cannot accept cash or checks in any amount or gifts worth $20 or more. FedEx doesn't allow cash or a gift worth more than $75. UPS does not have a policy on accepting tips.


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Assistant

Tip or Gift? Gift.
What to Give: A gift or a gift card of $50 or more (separate from any end-of-year bonus). The value should reflect your position in the company as well as how long the assistant has been with you.
What to Consider: Avoid perfume and clothing, says Hilka Klinkenberg, founder of Etiquette International, a business-etiquette firm in New York City. "If it touches skin, it's too personal for the office."


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Babysitter, Nanny

Tip or Gift? Gift and tip.
What to Give: For a regular babysitter, cash or a gift equal to one or two nights' pay. For a nanny, one to two weeks' pay plus a gift, ranging from something your child made to a generous present.
What to Consider: Give a gift she wouldn't buy for herself, like a designer handbag, says Patricia Cascio, president of the International Nanny Association. Avoid kid-related presents; your nanny needs a break, too.


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Boss

Tip or Gift? Gift.
What to Give: It's not necessary to give your boss a gift, says Klinkenberg. But if you do, make it small and simple (less than $50), like a Fred Flintstone cookie jar you found on eBay if he is a fan.
What to Consider: Give a group gift instead. "I prefer that everyone chips in a small amount," says Klinkenberg. "Then it's a token of appreciation, not a bribe." Take him to a group lunch at his favorite restaurant.


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Day-Care Staff

Tip or Gift? Gift and tip.
What to Give: A tip or a gift in the amount of $25 to $70. If only one person takes care of your child, give in the upper end of the range. Multiple employees? Give $25 to $70 each.
What to Consider: Cash and gift certificates are most popular. But take the time to add a card, says Laurie Kaufman, program director for All Aboard Childcare, in Ossining, New York.


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Dog Walker

Tip or Gift? Gift and tip.
What to Give: A tip or a gift equal to one week's service. Tips are more common, but gifts, like a down vest for chilly walks, are thoughtful, says Julia Frink, founder of Dogwalks.com, in San Francisco.
What to Consider: "Dog walking really takes a toll on your hands and feet," says Frink. So give gift certificates for manicures, pedicures, or massages. "Even my male dog walkers like them," Frink says.


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Doorman, Superintendent, Building Staff

Tip or Gift? Tip.
What to Give: From $20 to $100 each. A November 2005 Consumer Reports survey found that the average doorman tip given during the holiday season was $50.
What to Consider: It's OK to play favorites. "Tip according to how much the doorman does for you," says Peter Bearman, author of Doormen (University of Chicago Press, $25, www.amazon.com).


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Hairstylist, Manicurist, Salon Staff

Tip or Gift? Gift and tip.
What to Give: If you're an infrequent customer getting a holiday trim, double your usual tip. If you're a regular client, give a tip or a gift equal to one visit.
What to Consider: If your stylist is a friend, give a more personal gift. "I've gotten wine, baked goods - even silver and crystal," says Mark Goodman, owner of Hair Designers salon, in Hilton Head, South Carolina.


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House Cleaner, Gardener, Pool Cleaner

Tip or Gift? Tip.
What to Give: A tip equal to the cost of one service, or a week's pay if your housekeeper or gardener comes more often.
What to Consider: If your pool is closed for the season, or if you use a service that sends someone different each week, you don't need to tip for the holidays.


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