Holiday Tipping Etiquette

Every year, many of the same questions come up regarding holiday tipping. “Who gets a tip?” and “how much should I tip?” are commonly asked questions. The motivation behind giving someone a gift or tip is to show the person your appreciation for their service. It also shows you think highly of them.

It’s time, again, to remember those in your life who make your day, week and life easier and more efficient. Budgets are one of the first considerations when determining whom you will tip this holiday season, and how much you will give them. How often you visit them, the service they provide and their relationship with you will all factor into the holiday gratuity.

While tipping rules are not set in stone, I share a holiday tipping guide to make things a bit easier to understand. I also recently covered this topic on KHOU and have included the interview below.

Feel free to move the scale up or down, depending on your situation, the relationship you share with the provider and the quality of service you receive. The following are five additional things to keep in mind when giving a holiday tip:

1. Not Everyone Should (or Can) Receive a Tip

Cash is not appropriate for some providers. Government workers, medical professionals, attorneys, US Postal workers and certain health care workers are only a few who should not receive cash as a holiday gift. Do your research and inquire with the company before offering a tip. Although your favorite IT professional and neighborhood tailor often save the day, holiday tips are likely discouraged. Your signature red and green popcorn balls or another homemade treat will help communicate your thanks.

2. Tip Early

If you plan to see your hair stylist or dog groomer early in the month, don’t hesitate to take in your gift, along with a card expressing your gratitude for a job well done throughout the year. Gift cards are also nice, as long as you are confident they will enjoy the store or service you’ve chosen. The additional holiday tip should be separate and wrapped (see tip three below). If you travel and have a favorite server at a restaurant (or hair stylist you regularly use), tip them the next trip into town or mail them a card with a gift card enclosed. Never send cash by mail.

3. Make the Gift Look Special

Any gift, including a tip, should be accompanied by a card, a note, and wrapped in a decorative box or bag. Regardless of how you deliver the gift, it should have a memorable quality that is aimed to set it apart. Give money in crisp bills, placed in an envelope with the recipient’s name written on the front. The attention you give to the wrapping is a direct reflection of your appreciation for the relationship you share.

4. Consider a Charitable Donation

If tips are prohibited, and you’re not eager to dust off your holiday apron, a charitable donation to a cause that is close to the recipient’s heart may brighten the season. Many nonprofit organizations will gladly send a handwritten card with a personalized message along with a small memento (such as a signature ornament) when a donation is made on someone’s behalf.

5. People You May Wonder About

You may be feeling a bit charitable and contemplate whether or not the following providers can accept a tip.

• Curbside Grocery Deliverer– Check the grocer’s website, or ask a manager when it comes to Tipping. Surprisingly, most grocers do not allow their employees to accept a tip – any time of year.
• Shipt Personal Shoppers– According to the Shipt website, tipping is not required. However, exceptional service should be acknowledged with a tip which can be given in cash or within the app. Recognize they have gone the extra mile, especially if you’re on the second floor or request several cases of spring water. If you are accepting your holiday delivery from the driver, tip accordingly, but no additional holiday tip is necessary.
• Restaurant Delivery Drivers– Tip your delivery driver 20% of the total bill or $5, whichever is higher. Don’t neglect a tip if you receive bad service – an extremely late order, the wrong items or cold food – calmly explain and tip lower. Your holiday spirit and the snow outside may determine your desire to tip more for the season.
• Third-Party Delivery Drivers (Uber Eats, Favor, Postmates, Door Dash)- Always check the website. Tipping may or may not be required, depending on the service you are using. However, tipping should be considered a mandatory part of any meal, especially one that is brought to your doorstep. Most apps make it simple to add on gratuity even after you’ve enjoyed your meal.

You may also find my article on holiday hostess gifts helpful. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.