Holiday Tipping: Who and How Much

By Kasandra Brabaw (Patch Staff)

As much as we don’t like to admit it, gifts are a huge part of the holidays and gift-giving can be stressful.

Holiday tips are customary for the people who deliver your paper, cut your hair or clean your home.

But deciding who gets how big of a holiday tip can be difficult; you want to show appreciation — without going overboard or, for that matter, underboard.

Patch can’t help you choose which candle your mother-in-law will love, but we can help you figure out those pesky end-of-the-year tips no one quite knows how to handle. Take a look at the guide below for holiday tipping advice from The Emily Post Institute:

Paper carrier: Cash or a small gift: $10-$30

Babysitter: Cash and a gift: One evening’s pay and a small gift from your children.

Barber/Hair Stylist: Cash or gift: Up to the cost of one haircut

Gardener: Cash or a gift: $20-$50.

Housekeeper: Cash and/or a gift: One week’s pay

See a service provider not on our list? Check out Real Simple’s list of 23 service providers you should tip during the holidays.

But before you take out your checkbook, the Institute suggests the following considerations for holiday tipping:

• Your budget: First and foremost, you shouldn’t feel obligated to go beyond your personal budget.
• If your budget does not allow for tips, consider homemade gifts; and if you’re not good with crafts or in the kitchen, remember that words are always a great way to express your thanks for a year of good service.
• Any gift or tip should always be accompanied by a short handwritten note of appreciation. (Two or three sentences will be enough.)
• Do you already tip regularly? If you tip at the time of service, you may forego an end of the year tip, or give a more modest holiday thank you. You may also choose to give a small gift instead.