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Holiday Tipping Guide

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…

money

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

Andie Summers has been the morning show host on XTU for the past 25 years. She is a two-time CMA Major Market Personality of the Year winner and two-time Gracie Award recipient from the Alliance for Women in Media. As a content creator for XTU, Andie enjoys sharing parenting and travel tips, and loves helping you shop online with Must Haves.