Who To Tip (and How Much) this Holiday Season

The end of the year is the time to show those whose services you use each year how much you appreciate them. But how do you choose who to give to, and how much? Who do you give a gift to, and who should get cash? Here is what some experts say.
American's Manners Mentor offers this Simple Guide to Christmas Tipping:

Who to Tip:

1.Those who help your home run smoothly:

-- The Housecleaner (Tip them the amount of one service.)

-- The Mail Carrier (A gift worth about $20. Not cash.)

-- Lawn Care Workers ($20 each if you have a steady crew of people)

-- Regular Delivery People (UPS, Newspaper, etc. that come to your house often, $20)

-- Trash Collectors (If the same person comes most of the time, $20)

-- Regular Service Providers (Pool service, Bug spraying, Fuel oil provider, etc., $20)

2. Those who provide for you personally:

-- Your Hairdresser and Nail Tech (The average amount you spend at one visit. Or, if you have become friends, then maybe a personal gift instead.)

-- Any Salon Associate (If they wash your hair every time you are there, then tip them the average spent on one usual visit).

-- Pet Groomer (Tip them the average amount of 1 week's service.)

-- Personal Trainer (Tip them the amount of 1 week's service.)

-- Masseuse (If you are lucky enough to go regularly, and to the same person, then tip them the amount of one visit.)

3. Those Who Help Your Kids Excel:

-- Teachers (If you feel they are truly helping your child, get them a gift. Cash could be mistaken for a bribe. A gift or gift card from the whole class is best. Gifts average $10 - $100....plus maybe a personal, small gift from your child to the teacher.)

-- School Administrators (If they are a big help to you throughout the school year, then maybe get something the whole office staff can enjoy, like a cookie platter or flowers).

-- Teachers Outside of School (Music Teachers, Art Teachers, Karate Teachers, Coaches, etc. $20 average.)

-- Nannies/Babysitters. (For a weekly evening sitter, tip the amount you would normally pay for one evening. For a daily nanny, a week's pay. Plus maybe a small gift from your child.)

4. How to give the tip:

-- The best way, according the the manners guide, is to place the tip inside a sealed Christmas card, with a note inside saying how much you appreciate them and their service.

5. If you just don't have it in your budget to tip everyone in the amounts listed here, this is what the manners guide says:

-- You can still write a nice note being honest about how you wish you could give more, and then perhaps include a small gift.

-- If you have to pick and choose who from the list you will be able to tip, consider these things:  A) Choose the people you know could use the money most rather than those you know have a lot of money of their own, B) Consider the quality of the service you receive, the amount of time and labor spent on the service, and how long you have known the person.

6. And, finally, Maralee McKee (the Manners Mentor) has these great words: "Give from the heart, abundantly and joyfully, in equal measure to the blessings you have been given."