Etiquette Everyday ~ Holiday Etiquette

Holiday Tipping Guidelines

Updated for 2007

The holiday season is the traditional time to say “thank you” and “I appreciate the work you do” to those who have provided service to you throughout the year. Don’t forget that one of the best ways to express your appreciation is a hand-written note, which should accompany any holiday tip.

Whether and how much to tip varies widely, depending on:

~the quality and frequency of the service
~your relationship with the service provider
~where you live (amounts are usually higher in large cities)
~the frequency of the service or how long you have worked together
~your budget
~regional customs
~the type of establishment: deluxe vs. moderate

If you regularly tip at the time of service, you may forgo or give a more modest holiday tip. Try to include your child in gift decisions for teachers, day care providers, nannies, and babysitters.

Every situation is different, so let common sense, specific circumstances, and holiday spirit be your guides. The tip amounts in this chart are merely guidelines. What to give is always an individual decision.

Every situation is different, so let common sense, specific circumstances, and holiday spirit be your guides. The tip amounts in this chart are merely guidelines. What to give is always an individual decision.

Etiquette Everyday~General Tipping Guidelines

RESTAURANTS:

Wait service (sit down)
15-20% pre-tax

Wait service (buffet)
10%

Host
No obligation$10-$20 on occasion, if you are a regular patron

Take Out
No obligation0-10% if the person went above normal service

Bartender
$1 per drink or 15-20% or tab

Tipping jars
No obligationtip occasionally if you are a regular or if the person went above normal service
Restroom Attendant
$0.50-$3, depending on service

Valet
$2-$5


TRAVEL:

Skycap
$2 first bag, $1 per additional bag

Doorman
$1-$2 for carrying luggage$1-$2 for hailing cab$1-$4 beyond the call of duty

Bellhop
$2 first bag, $1 per additional bag

Housekeeper
$2-$5 per day, left daily

Concierge
$5 for tickets or reservations, $10 if hard to get; no need to tip for answering questions

Taxi driver
15% plus an extra $1-$2 if helped with bags

SALON/SPA:

Hair Dresser
15-20%, ask to be split among those who served you

Manicurist
15-20%

Facial, waxing, massage
15%

Au pair
A gift from your family (or one-week’s pay), plus a small gift from your child
Babysitter, regular
One evening’s pay, plus a small gift from your child

Barber
Cost of one haircut or a gift
Beauty salon staff
The cost of one salon visit, split among the staff

Child’s teacher
Check your school’s policy first, as gift giving may be prohibited. If allowed, then give a gift that is a token of appreciation from your child, not cash. Possibilities: a homemade gift made by your child, a book or a picture frame. Or, consider participating in a joint gift from the class as a whole. Possibilities: a gift certificate to a restaurant or bookstore.

Day care providers
$25 to $70 each, plus a small gift from your child for the providers who give direct care to your child(ren)

Dog walker
One week’s pay or a gift

Fitness trainer, personal
Up to the cost of one session

Garage attendants
$10 to $30 each

Home health employees
A gift, but check with the agency first, as most agencies have a no gifts or no tips policy. If this is the case, consider giving a donation to the agency.

Housekeeper/cleaner
Up to one week’s pay or a gift

Letter carriers
U.S. government regulations permit carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20 per occasion, not cash

Live-in help (Nanny, Housekeeper, Cook, Butler)
One week’s to one month’s salary based on tenure and customs in your area, plus a personal gift

Massage therapist
Up to one session’s fee or a gift

Newspaper deliverer
$10 to $30

Nurse, private
A gift, not cash

Nursing home employees
A gift, not cash, but check the company policy first. Consider giving a gift that could be enjoyed by or shared among the floor staff: flowers, chocolates or food items.

Package deliverer
A small gift if you receive deliveries regularly; most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts

Personal caregiver
Up to one week’s salary or a small gift

Pet Groomer
If the same person grooms your pet all year, up to one session’s fee or a gift

Pool cleaner
Cost of one cleaning, to be split among crew

Residential building personnel: Check with your building association first to see if there is a holiday fund that is shared among all the building personnel

Superintendent
$20 to $80

Doorman
$15 to $80; $15 or more each, for multiple doormen

Elevator operator
$15 to $40

Handyman
$15 to $40

Trash/recycling collectors
$10 to $30 each (for private service); for municipal service, check local regulations

Yard and garden worker
$20 to $50

Source: http://www.emilypost.com/everyday/holiday_tipping.htm