Just when you thought you were done with your Christmas shopping, you better check this list and make sure you say a proper thank you, and how much you should spend to do so.

The experts have spoken and here's what they have to say:

 

 

First of all, who you tip and how much should be based on how often you are in contact with the people you are considering, the relationships you have formed with them (how long you have known them, how close you have grown to them), and the quality of the services you receive from them.

It is also really important to not go into DEBT because you feel obligated to tip. You've got to be realistic about your budget, and if you don't have the money, then perhaps you can do something from your heart like a personal, handwritten note inside a card, or some homemade cookies or crafts if you are good at that.

That said, if you already are a regular, good tipper to the people you are considering, that may just be enough...especially if you err on the side of over-tipping throughout the year. (At the very least, you can give a more modest holiday tip if you have already treated them good each time you have used their services.)

So how much is the recommended tip for the people you might consider tipping? Here's a guide from one well-known source that includes recommendations from etiquette experts:

-- Full-time nanny, personal caregiver or other helpers who live and work inside your home: Between a week to a month's pay PLUS a gift.

-- Housekeepers that come in once a week: The equivalent of a day's pay OR $50. (IF they come more often than once a week, that amount should be upped and include a gift.)

-- Hairdresser: Up to the cost of one haircut OR a gift.

-- Beauty salon staff: Up to the cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you.

-- Babysitter: Up to one evening's pay and a small gift from your kids.

-- Day Care Provider: $25 - $70 for each staff member who works with your kids, plus a small gift from your children.

-- Personal Trainer: Up to the cost of one session, OR a gift.

-- Mail Carrier: A small gift only. U.S. Postal Service employees may accept baked goods (either homemade or store bought) to share with the branch office. The USPS policy is that gifts cannot exceed $50 per calendar year, and giving cash or gift cards that can be used as cash is prohibited. Here's what our own Matt Ryan thinks of that!

-- UPS: There is no limit. Tipping is left to your discretion.

-- FedEx: The company policies discourage cash or gift cards, and the driver is supposed to politely decline a holiday tip...BUT IF YOU INSIST, the driver may accept the gift...LOL!!!

-- Teacher: A group gift with parents pooling their money is best.

-- Gardener: The equivalent of a week's pay

-- Pool Cleaner: The equivalent of one session divided among the crew.

-- Garbage Attendant: Between $10 and $40 or a small gift.

-- Garbage Recycling Attendant: If your city or town permits, a $10 to $30 each for extra holiday effort

-- Handyman: Between $20 and $50.

-- Pet Groomer: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.

-- Dog Walker: Up to one week's pay or a gift.

-- Massage Therapist: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.

HERE'S WHO YOU CAN SKIP TIPPING AND JUST SEND A CARD TO:

-- Veterinarian

-- Doctor/Dentist

-- Seamstress/Tailor

-- Bookkeeper

-- Banker

-- Attorney

-- Accountant

-- Executive Coach

 

 

 

 

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