Tis the season to be merry – but I find myself confused when it comes to deciding how much to shell out as a tip for the service providers in my life. What do you get the world’s best mailman or the stylist who hears your deepest, darkest secrets every 6 weeks?

Below are some guidelines from Care.com that can help you decide how to fill that envelope.

• According to Ms. Etiquette herself (Emily Post), here are some things to consider:

  • The quality and frequency of the service you receive.
  • Your relationship with the service provider.
  • The number of years you’ve been using the service.
  • Your budget: You should never feel obligated to go beyond what you can reasonably afford.

• Child Care

  Babysitter: Average day/evening pay for regular sitters and a small gift from your kids

  Nanny: 1-2 weeks pay + small gift from kids

  Daycare / Child Care Center: $10-30 or small gift from kiddos

• Hair stylist

  Cost of 1 session

  Although they do say that if you tip all year long, don’t break your bank at the holidays.

• Coffee Shop Barista

  About $20 if you see them often.

• Dry Cleaner

  (I honestly didn’t even think of this!) $10-20 or a homemade good

• Fitness Instructor

  Cost of one session

• Trash Collector

  $10-30

• House Cleaner

  Cost of one session (if they come regularly)

  Small gift if infrequent

• PETS!

  Pet Sitter: $20-50

  Kennel Staff:  Homemade or Handmade gift

  Pet Trainer: cost of one session

• Nail Salon Technician

  Cost of one session

• Postal Worker / Mail Carrier

  Food, such as baked goods, or non-cash gift worth less than $20

• School Bus Driver

  Small, non-cash gift

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