Tipping Etiquette - How to Say Thank You This Holiday Season

Tipping etiquette: who do you tip and how much? Inmeaningful to the receiver. Base your tip on what's
the holiday gift-giving season, it's time to dig a littleappropriate to your situation and your budget.o
deeper and show appreciation for all the servicesDifferent professions usually receive different tips at
providers who have helped us during the year.the holidays. For example, bellmen at hotels and
Tipping at this time of year can be stressful. Fromapartment buildings, bartenders, food-service
the waitress at your favorite restaurant, to theprofessionals generally get cash tips. People that give
babysitter who saves your sanity, to yourmore personal services, such as hair stylists or
hairdresser who makes you feel like a million bucks,babysitters, can receive either cash or gifts during
how much is enough, and how much is too much?the holidays.
Tipping etiquette guidelines for the gift-givingHere are some guidelines for tipping:
season:o Most people dig a little deeper and boostBaby sitter: 1 evening's pay + small gift from the child
tips show appreciation at the holiday season.Daycare providers; $25=$50 each + small gift from
Whatever you give, the intent is thank people whochild
took care of you over the past year.o Most peopleHousekeeper: 1 week's pay or more, depending on
use the same criteria for increasing tips: to nurturelength of service
important relationships and/or to reward excellentHairdresser: Cost of 1 cut (or $20-$100) - depending
service.o Tipping depends on your budget, regionalon cost of cuts and frequency
customs, and where you live. For example, if you liveManicurist: Cost of 1 session (or $10-$20) or small gift
in a high rise in a large city, you might focus more onPersonal trainer: $25 up to 1 week's pay
the attendants in your high rise apartment building,Letter carrier: Gifts of up to $20
while if you live in a smaller city or town, you wouldNewspaper carrier: Up to $20
be more concerned with your babysitter and hairHotel doorman/bellman: $1-2 for help with bags, hailing
stylists.o Some people offer cash tips or checks.cabs
Other people show appreciation by giving a bottle ofYou are invited to use these guidelines for tipping in
liquor, baking cookies, or finding a gift that'sthe holiday season.