Advice for Holiday Tipping

Holiday tipping can be confusing. You might be unsure who to tip and how much to give.

Although a holiday tip expresses gratitude for people who helped you throughout the year, you are not required to tip anyone. Most people won’t be upset if you don’t tip them.

The following holiday tipping advice can help you spread the joy of the season.

Set a Budget

Choose a tipping amount you can afford. If you don’t have the recommended tip amounts shared below, continue reading for other options.

Create a List

Consider the people who help you throughout the year, such as the following:

• Hairstylists

• Pet-sitters

• Dog groomers

• Trash collectors

• Day care workers

• Babysitters

• Teachers

• Coaches

You can add to the list and prioritize those who make the biggest difference in your life. Focus on how often you use their services and how long you’ve known them to determine whom to tip.

Set Tipping Limits

Consider using the cost of a service as your guide to holiday tipping. For instance, you might tip up to one session’s pay or one week’s pay if you haven’t known the service provider very long. Otherwise, you could tip more if you have an established, years-long relationship. Include a card expressing your appreciation for their work to share the holiday spirit.

Common tip recipients and tip amounts include the following:

• Hairstylist: Cost of one service

• Pet-sitter: One session

• Dog groomer: One session

• Trash collector: $10 to $30 each

• Babysitter: One typical session or one week’s pay

• Daycare teacher: $25 to $75, depending on how many hours per week your child or children are in the person’s care

Give Alternatives to Cash Tips

If holiday tipping is not within your budget, consider alternatives. For instance, give a homemade card with a meaningful message and homemade holiday treats to show your appreciation.

Keep in mind that some workers cannot accept cash or cash equivalents, such as gift cards:

• USPS mail carriers can accept non-cash and non-cash equivalent gifts worth $20 or less

• FedEx workers can accept non-cash and non-cash equivalent gifts worth $75 or less

• UPS drivers are encouraged to decline cash tips; alternatives include baskets of water and snacks, work socks, and artwork from children in the home

Consider Group Gifts

A group or class gift can be more meaningful than an individual gift. For instance, teachers might appreciate a gift card to a restaurant or retailer rather than coffee mugs.

Give a Holiday Card

If your holiday budget is tight, consider giving a card with a heartfelt message. Most service providers will understand and be happy that you use their service, even if you don’t give a holiday tip.

For example, you might say, "Thank you for all your hard work throughout the year. This year, I found myself unable to provide cash tips or gifts, but this is not a reflection on the service received. I genuinely appreciate the work you do and wish I could do more to express my thanks. I hope that you, your family, and friends have a wonderful holiday season!"

Avoid Comparisons

Don’t stress about whether you are tipping as much as someone else:

• Tipping is not a contest.

• Everyone has a different financial situation.

• Expressing appreciation is what matters.

• Doing what you can is enough.

*This information is for educational purposes only.