Key People to Tip This Holiday Season (and How Much You Should Give Them)

It's always rewarding to show generosity toward those who assist you throughout the year, whether it’s a housekeeper who goes the extra mile or a hairstylist who gives your hair that perfect look. The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude through a tip. According to Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at DealNews, 'Holiday tipping is a way to thank those who provide services year-round, including even those public servants you see often, like your mail carrier.'

The challenging part is deciding how much to tip and whom to give it to, which leads many of us to ask friends and family for advice come November. How much is appropriate for holiday tips, and who should receive a gift as opposed to cash? Tip amounts depend on your location, personal situation, and available funds. If you’re on a tight budget this season, Ramhold suggests that gift cards and homemade baked goods can be great substitutes. To help you, we’ve put together a helpful holiday tipping guide to resolve your etiquette questions. Keep reading to find out who should receive a physical gift and who should get cash (if you’re able).

Tips for Household Helpers: Who to Reward and How

Apartment Building Manager

Recommended Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip: $20-100

The amount will vary based on your super's level of assistance and how long you've had a relationship with them.

Lobby Attendant

Preferred Tip: Cash

Suggested Amount: $20 to $100

For multiple door attendants, consider tipping at least $20 each. If there's only one, aim for the higher end of the range, potentially going up to $140 or even $200 depending on your rapport and their level of service, especially in a luxury building.

Lift Operators and Other Building Personnel

Preferred Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip: $20-$50

Inquire with your building management to find out if a holiday tip pool is set up, where the tip is shared among all employees.

Gardeners or Landscapers

Suggested Tip: Cash

Recommended Tip Amount: $20 to $50

If they visit often, consider tipping up to the equivalent of a week's salary.

Pool Maintenance Workers

Preferred Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip Amount: $20-$50

For a consistent team, offer the equivalent of one cleaning's fee to be shared among them. If different individuals handle the task each time, holiday tipping is not required.

Newspaper Delivery Person

Recommended Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip: $10-$30

The tip should equal one month of your subscription fee. You may sometimes be able to include it when paying your bill.

Handyman or Handyperson

Recommended Tip: Cash

Suggested Amount: $15 to $40

The tip amount depends on the amount of work they've done for you over the year.

Garbage and Recycling Workers

Preferred Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip Amount: $10 to $30 per person for private service

For public service, consult local regulations, as tipping may be prohibited in certain areas.

Mail Carrier or Package Delivery Driver

Suggested Tip: Cash

Recommended Tip: $20

While tipping isn't mandatory, if you have a cordial relationship with your carrier, a small gift or gift card in the $20 range is a thoughtful gesture. According to United States Postal Service regulations, gifts worth over $50 annually are prohibited, as are cash or cash-equivalent gift cards. FedEx discourages tipping or giving cash, and UPS has no official stance on tipping.

Housekeeper or Domestic Assistant

Recommended Tip: Cash and a Small Gift

Suggested Tip: Up to one week's wages, plus a small gift such as homemade treats or a bottle of wine.

Individuals to Tip for Weekly and Monthly Services

Auto Mechanic

Preferred Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip: $20

If you are a regular customer, a $20 tip is appropriate.

Dry Cleaning Service Provider

Recommended Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip Amount: $20

Since it's a group effort, consider leaving a box of donuts or a fruit basket for the entire team. While it's not required, a small gift or gift card around $20 is a nice gesture if you have a friendly rapport with the individual.

Dog Walker

Suggested Tip: Cash

Suggested Tip Amount: One week's salary.

If you don't have cash on hand, consider thoughtful gifts like a down vest or quality gloves for winter walks.

Dog Grooming Service Provider

Suggested Tip: Cash or a thoughtful gift

Recommended Tip or Gift: Roughly equivalent to the cost of one session.

Cash is always a safe option, but you can also include a toy or treat for their furry friend to make it more personal.

Hairstylist, Manicurist, and Barber

Suggested Tip: Cash or a gift card

Recommended Tip Amount: The cost of one visit, or a gift of equal value.

If multiple people assist you at the same place, offer cash so they can divide it themselves.

Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, and Massage Therapist

Suggested Tip: Cash or a thoughtful gift

Recommended Tip Amount: Up to the cost of one session or a small gift.

The tipping amount will depend on how frequently you meet with them and if they come to your home. For biweekly home visits, consider tipping the price of one session.

Who to Tip for Your Kids

Day-Care Staff

Tip in: Cash or gift card

Amount: $35-$70

Consider a gift or cash tip in the range of $35 to $70 for each teacher or staff member working with your child(ren), along with a small, handmade gift from your child. Alternatively, gift cards to their favorite coffee shop or local restaurant can be a thoughtful gesture.

Teacher or Tutor

Tip via Gift or Gift Card

Suggested Tip: $25

Keep the gift around $25. If the school allows gifts, consider options like a bookstore or restaurant gift card, a picture frame, a coffee shop gift card, or a personal, homemade gift from your child, along with a handwritten thank-you note. Gifts are less common at middle and high school levels where students often have multiple teachers.

Nanny or Au Pair

Tip: Cash and a gift

Suggested Tip: The equivalent of one or two weeks' salary.

A tip of one or two weeks' pay, plus a thoughtful gift from your child(ren), such as a framed crayon or marker portrait as a sign of appreciation (but avoid gifts meant for kids); a chic handbag could be a great choice to impress.

Babysitter

Tip: Cash or gift card

Suggested Tip: The equivalent of one or two nights' salary

A personal gift from your child(ren) is always a nice gesture.

Who to tip at your workplace

Assistant

Tip: Cash or gift card

Suggested Tip: $50

Along with any year-end bonus, consider giving a gift or gift card valued at least $50, depending on your role within the company and how long the assistant has worked with you. Avoid overly personal gifts like perfume or clothing.

Boss

Tip: Gift

Suggested Tip: Under $25

While not mandatory, a thoughtful gift can go a long way. You might want to bake your signature chocolate peppermint shortbreads or pick up something small and unique that aligns with their personal interests, like F.C. Richmond socks for your Ted Lasso-enthusiast boss.

Healthcare Professionals to Tip

Private Nurse or Home Health Worker

Tip: Physical gift

Suggested Tip: $25-$100

A thoughtful gift, such as a scarf, gloves, or a cozy throw blanket, is a great way to express your gratitude. However, many agencies do not accept cash or any gifts, so it's important to verify with the agency first. Avoid giving cash unless confirmed as acceptable by the agency.

Nursing Home Staff

Tip Option: Physical gift

Suggested Amount: $25-$50

Be sure to review the company’s guidelines. Cash may not be suitable, but gifts like chocolates, cookies, or flowers that can be shared with the entire team are thoughtful choices.

Medical Doctor

Tip Suggestion: Best to refrain from tipping!

Suggested Amount: Since tips are usually not accepted, a nice alternative would be to send some freshly baked goods to the office as a thoughtful gesture.