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 for those who make us look and feel our best. It can be stressful time, however, for gift givers when they are uncertain as to the appropriate amount to give.

This year it will be particularly stressful due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I would recommend planning to gift the people you traditionally remember during the holidays even if you have used their services very little this year; since this year, they may need your gift more than ever. If you are struggling to meet ends meet now and cannot do what you have done in the past, send a hand-written note to those on your list that expresses your gratitude for their services; wishes them a joyous holiday season; and lets them know you are looking forward to seeing them next year when everything is back to normal. 

The following is a list of all who are generally thanked at Christmastime and the gifts considered appropriate or acceptable for them: 

• 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: 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:

1. Use crisp bills to tip with.

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

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

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

Prioritize your list:

1. Importance of their service to you.

2. The quality of their service

3. The frequency of their service.

4. How long you’ve used the service.

5. Regional tipping/gifting guidelines

6. The amount of the gift you gave last year.

Gift ideas for mail carrier or Fedex:

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

2. A Starbucks gift card and cheerful travel mug

3. A beautiful scarf perfect for this time of year.

4. A mini valet to stylishly stow away keys.

5. Luxurious hand cream with a holiday candle or a warm pair of gloves. (I have to preface this comment with the fact that I once suggested warm gloves as a good alternative and was inundated with responses from people who said it was a ridiculous gift — but, still, here it is again on a particular mail carriers “wish list”.

6. An eco-friendly reusable water bottle.

7. A warm hat.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

     Updated:  December 2020