The holidays are the traditional time of the year to show our gratitude to all who make our lives easier and more pleasant throughout the year; and make us, our homes, and our pets look good. 

Due to the higher cost of goods and services this year, many may be struggling to make ends meet. If you cannot follow the guidelines below—and be aware of the fact that this is only a guide to generally accepted monetary gifts—the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should show your appreciation in some form, whether it be a small gift, homemade baked goods, or a simple thank-you note.

• Hairstylist/Colorist: Cost of one session

• Barber: Cost of one session

• Manicurist: $25 to $50 or gift

• Personal trainer: Up to the cost of one session and a gift

• Housekeeper: Up to the cost of one visit; or one-or-two week’s pay, full-time

• Au-pair or live-in nanny: One- or-two week’s pay, and a gift from your child

• Teacher: Gift card or gift certificate for up to $25, or pitch in with some of the other parents and buy a more expensive gift certificate

• Coaches, Tutors, Music Teachers: A small gift from your child

• Day care provider: $20 to $70 each, plus a small gift from your child

• Babysitter: An evening’s pay, plus a gift from your child

• Massage therapist: Up to the cost of one session

• Superintendent: $75 to $175; broad range $50 to $500

• Doorman: $25 to $150; broad range $10 to $1,000  

• Handyman: $25 to $50; broad range $10 to $75

• Parking garage attendant: $25 to $75 each: or ½ month’s rent divided

• Country club staff: $50 for someone you see regularly

• Pool cleaner: Cost of one session

• Mail carrier: Small gift or gift card up to $20: gifts of cash not permitted

• Fedex: Can accept gifts valued at $75 or less; gifts of cash not permitted

• UPS: Advised to politely decline; but no firm policy about not accepting

  cash gifts

• Newspaper carrier: $10 to $30

• Personal assistant: A small gift and a holiday bonus based on performance.

• Senior Care Aide: $25 to $100 depending upon frequency

• Trash collector (house): $20 to $30

• Sanitation worker: $10 to $30 each for private service; check your local municipality for regulations, as some areas may not allow tipping

• Gardener: $20 to $50 or a gift card or cost or cost of one week’s service

• Pool cleaner: Up to the cost of one cleaning or a gift card

• Dog walker: Up to one week’s pay or a gift

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

Do: 

• Use crisp bills to tip with.

• Put them in a tasteful envelope marked with the person’s name on it.

• Add a short personal note thanking them for helping you throughout the year.

• If possible, hand each person your gift, accompanied by a handshake, and holiday greeting.

• Give cash gifts early in December so that they can use the money to buy their holiday gifts.

Prioritize your list:

• Importance of their service to you.

• The quality of their service.

• The frequency of their service.

• How long you’ve used the service.

• Regional tipping/gifting guidelines

• The amount of the gift you gave last year.

Gift ideas for mail carrier or Federal Express:

• A gift card to a restaurant that serves hot meals and cold drinks.

• A Starbucks gift card and cheerful travel mug.

• A warm scarf perfect for this time of year.

• A mini valet to stylishly stow away keys.

• Luxurious hand cream with a holiday candle or a warm pair of gloves. (An eco-friendly water bottle.)

• A warm hat.

• An insulated thermos.

• A winter first aid kit with a specialty face cream, lip protection, throat lozenges, packets of cocoa and a variety of energy bars.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

December 2022