Half of Americans Have Tipping Fatigue: Who Still Deserves a Holiday Tip?
Many Americans are experiencing holiday tipping fatigue. A recent Oobit survey found that 50% believe tipping expectations have become excessive, and nearly one-quarter (24%) plan to tip at least one service worker less this year than last year.
Despite the frustration, etiquette experts say certain workers still deserve an end-of-year tip or gift. Here's who you should tip, and how much.
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Holiday Tipping Guide: Who To Tip and How Much To Give
While many Americans may not want to tip this year, etiquette experts said holiday gratuities remain an important way to recognize people who provide regular services throughout the year.
"End-of-year tipping is a way of acknowledging all of those people who have made your life easier all year long," said Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette expert and president of Mannersmith. "If one has not tired of the service, then one should not be experiencing tipping fatigue."
While tipping every service provider isn't necessary, Smith said certain workers should be recognized during the holidays. Here's her recommended holiday tipping guide.
Home and Building Staff
Door attendants and maintenance workers: Tip based on building recommendations. "Especially if you live in a staffed building, there should be suggested amounts as well as someone helping to coordinate the end-of-year tips," according to Smith.
Super: Anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on the kind of building and how much you’ve used the super this year. If you’re in a luxury building, the tip would be in the $200 to $300 range.
Garage attendant: $20 to $300 depending on the type of car and your use.
Garbage collector: Depends on your municipality. "In some places, sanitation people are city workers and so are prohibited from receiving tips; check your city's website to find out. I recommend $20 per person," Smith said.
Childcare Providers
Nanny and au pair: One week’s salary, "and for every year they’ve been with you, a little bit more. Also, have the kids give small gifts, such as a cell phone case — or, if you really like the nanny, a new cell phone. Or, go with a gift that fits their personality, like a sporty present if they’re sporty," Smith noted.
Babysitter: The cost of one to two nights' sitting, based on usage. Smith said, "If you only use the sitter once a month for two hours, then $20 at the end of the year is fine. But if you hire them for five hours every Saturday night, then give them $50 to $60. Good babysitters and good nannies are hard to find, so if you like them, be generous."
Daycare provider: "This is a bit trickier. At some daycares, everyone chips in to one pot of money. At others, you can give a gift but no cash to teachers. Find out who is actually taking care of your child at the daycare and give a gift of about $20 per teacher," according to Smith.
Personal Care Professionals
Personal trainer: The cost of a session or 10 to 20% of what you have paid for the year.
Hairdresser: The cost of a haircut or 10 to 20% of what you have paid for the year.
Massage therapist: Assuming you see them twice a month, the cost of one session, scaled according to how often you see them.
Manicurist: Assuming you go twice a month, the cost of one session.
Household and Pet Services
Dog walker and cat sitter: The cost of one service, such as one week of dog walking.
Housekeeper: What you pay them for a weekly session, and more if they don’t come every week. "Boost accordingly for every year you've had this cleaner, or give them a gift," Smith said.
Handyman: $20 to $50, with tips on the higher end being used for people who helped you out more.
Yard worker and landscaper: $20 per worker who plows your snow, trims your trees and bushes, collects leaves in the fall, etc.
Delivery and Mail Services
Mail carrier: The United States Postal Service prohibits mail carriers from receiving cash tips. Smith noted, "You can give a gift equivalent such as a gift certificate to a local restaurant, iTunes gift cards, etc., not to exceed $20."
Newspaper delivery person: $60, which is a little more than a dollar a week.
UPS, FedEx and Amazon drivers: "Many private companies discourage their drivers from accepting tips. If you have the same driver on your route and would like to tip, please do. Just be aware you may need to insist that they be allowed to accept," according to Smith.
For some professionals, such as doctors, dentists, plumbers or electricians, it is a faux pas to give a cash tip. Smith noted, "For these people, send a gift instead."
The goal of holiday tipping isn't to reward every worker you encounter, but to recognize the people who consistently make your daily life easier.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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