Holiday Tipping: Mandatory or Optional?

But who should be on that list? Should we tip the mailman? How much should we spend? How do we demonstrate our appreciation without blowing
our budget?

Many in the service industry emphasize they don’t expect a tip or a gift, but they appreciate the gesture.

There are no formal, hard and fast rules about holiday tipping. Averages and ranges vary depending on family budgets and the types of services. Etiquette expert Emily Post’s website,www.emilypost.com, offers tips on what to consider when deciding how much to spend:

* Consider homemade gifts if your budget doesn’t allow for tips. If you aren’t crafty or handy in the kitchen, a handwritten note is always appropriate.

* If you tip regularly at the time of service, you don’t have to tip at the end of the year. Or, you can select a small gift as a thank you.

In general, it is thoughtful at holiday time or the end of the year to tip those who serve us all year long, and those with whom we have a personal relationship. These tips are customarily delivered in December, prior to Christmas Day.

The table below has been culled from various sources as a guide to help plan for holiday tipping. (See www.emilypost.com and www.cnnmoney.com for more information.)

CHILDCARE, EDUCATION
Au pair or live in nanny  
One week’s pay and a gift  from your child or children  
Regular babysitter        
One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child or children Day care provider          
$25-$50, or gift for each staff member Teacher 
Homemade gift from your child; gift certificates to places like a bookstore or office supply store ; Homebaked goods   
Coaches, tutors, music, dance teachers Small gift from your child NEWSPAPER, POSTAL CARRIERS, GARBAGE COLLECTORS
Note: According to the USPS website, the United States Postal Service does not allow their employees to accept cash gifts. Postal Service employees may receive snacks and beverages, perishable items (i.e. flowers, chocolates, cookies) less than $20 worth; or items of small intrinsic value (i.e. pens, coffee mugs.)  

USPS Mail Carrier   
Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. Newspaper Carrier  
Daily, $25-$50; Weekend, $10 UPS Driver   
$15 for regular driver Garbage Collector Because so many garbage collectors are drivers who use “arms” that do the work, there is no need to tip. PET SERVICES
Dog groomer          
Cost of a session Dog walker or sitter            
1-2 week’s usual pay PERSONAL CARE
Note: Like other service professionals, holiday tips for personal-care providers generally go to those with whom we have established relationships. Hairdressers, manicurists and massage therapists, for example, often receive gifts or cash tips from regular clients. If the person is the shop's owner, keep in mind the total cost of the service generally goes to them, so a cash tip may not be necessary. But the gesture is usually appreciated. 

Manicurist/pedicurist                    
Cost of one session Hairdresser/stylist              
Cost of one session Massage  therapist  
Cost of one session Personal trainer  
Cost of one session  
Maid               
One week’s pay. This is for a maid employed directly. For those using a service, with a different maid each time, no tip is necessary.
APARTMENT SERVICES
Note: Tips to apartment staff are highly appreciated and well-noted. Cash in envelopes for the entire staff is recommended.
Apartment building superintendent         
$50-$200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year. Apartment doorman/concierge  
$10-$80 or more, depending upon the building. Handyman     
$15-$40 Elevator operators  
$15-$40

What tipping guidelines do you use for the holidays?