Buzz
While it’s common to tip your dog walker, hairstylist, or babysitter for their services, do you remember to give them a holiday bonus or gift? Many of us may not be as consistent in giving these year-end tips as we might have thought.
A recent survey conducted by Creditcards.com revealed that 60% of adults do not tip their mail carrier at the end of the year. Seventy percent neglect to tip their trash or recycling collectors, and 47% of parents with daycare providers or teachers don’t offer gifts to those professionals either. Millennials tend to tip these service providers more often than older generations. The survey gathered responses from 2,569 U.S. adults.
Despite these statistics, holiday tipping remains a tradition—or should be, according to Patricia Rossi, author of Everyday Etiquette: How to Navigate 101 Common and Uncommon Social Situations. “It’s a way to thank those who make our lives easier year-round,” she explains. “They may not expect it, but it can brighten their day and maybe even their whole week, or Christmas.”
What if you find yourself low on funds? The holiday season can be especially tough financially, even before you start thinking about the service providers who likely deserve a tip. I recall a time in my youth when I’d avoid getting a haircut in December because I knew I should give a little extra tip, even if I only saw the stylist a couple of times a year. If I felt I couldn’t afford that extra holiday tip, I’d simply skip the appointment altogether.
Avoiding the situation may seem like a solution but, if money is tight, there’s a better alternative, according to Rossi.
The answer could be as simple as writing a note. Rossi suggests that even a brief message inside a Christmas card can express your appreciation to a professional. You don’t need to explain financial constraints; just be sincere in sharing your gratitude.
“We don’t get thanked much these days,” she shared. “Written thank you notes are so uncommon. If you don’t have much to give, a simple thank you note can go a long way.” If you’re still inclined to offer something tangible, Rossi suggests baking a batch of your favorite cookies and gifting a few to each person you want to show your appreciation. A ribbon on the bag can add a festive touch.
If you’re unsure about how much to tip during the holiday season, take a look at our list for some guidance. (Keep in mind that mail carriers can’t accept cash gifts, and it’s best to avoid giving teachers cash directly.) And if you ever find yourself in an unfamiliar tipping situation throughout the year, we’ve got a more comprehensive guide to help you out.
