2021 Holiday Tipping Guide

As we enter the final weeks of 2021, it’s a great time to think of the people whose efforts make your life better year-round and create a plan for remembering them during the holidays. Keep in mind a few additional factors, as COVID-19 has changed how we live. Consider who is new in your rotation of service providers. Whether you now get groceries or takeout delivered regularly or shop online more, demonstrate your gratitude to those who provide you with excellent service. Keep reading for my thoughts on getting started and a 2021 Holiday Tipping Guide.

Make a List

Review the guide below and write down the people who serve you throughout the year. Include anyone who went beyond expectations this year.

Consider Your Relationship

While holiday tipping is a time-honored practice, you’re not obligated to gift any specific dollar amounts. See below for general recommendations, but let the nature of your relationship with the service providers determine if and how much you give.

Calculate Your Budget

The first rule of gift giving and tipping is to never give more than you can afford. If your budget is limited, there are other ways to show your appreciation. A holiday card or a handwritten note of thanks along with homemade baked goods can also express your gratitude.

Express Your Gratitude

A short note of appreciation should accompany every gift. Crisp cash or a gift card tucked inside of an envelope with your handwritten note of thanks will make the recipient feel special.

2021 Holiday Tipping Guide

At Home

Daily or weekly housekeeper: Cash or gift card equivalent to one day (or one week) of service.
Delivery driver: Check company policy. If allowed, a gift card or small gift up to $20 is appropriate for a delivery person who delivers frequently. Leaving a basket of snacks or waters by the door for delivery people during the busy holiday season is also a kind gesture.
Mail carrier: Postal workers can accept gifts valued up to $20, but not cash or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash.
Garbage & recycling collectors: $10 to $25 per person.
Landscaper/yard worker: $20-25 each or cash equivalent to one service to be shared among the crew.
Pool cleaner: Cash equal to one week’s service for crew to share.
Pet groomer or dog walker: Cash equal to one service.
Home health worker: Cash up to one visit or one week’s pay, depending on the level of care.
Nursing home staff: Check company policy. If allowed, a thoughtful gift up to $25 for a special caregiver or treats for the staff to share.
Landlord or building manager: $50 or more, depending on the level of service they provide.
Newspaper delivery person: Cash or small gift up to $30, depending on frequency of delivery.

At Work

Boss: A group gift from all employees is the best choice. Otherwise, a small gift, $50 or less, nothing too personal and never cash.
Assistant: A gift or gift card valued at $50 or less.
Coworker: For a special coworker, something that they can use at work, such as a fun coffee mug, hand lotion, a calendar or fun office supplies. Give discreetly so others don’t feel excluded.
Client: Depending on your relationship, a gift basket with treats or coffee mug and gourmet coffee.
Office gift exchange: Always participate and follow the designated dollar amount.

At School

Teacher: A gift valued up to $25 is appropriate. Do not give cash; express your thanks with a gift that’s either practical (such as a gift card to an online store, book store or restaurant) or, if you know the teacher’s taste, something more personal. Be sure to include a note or card with a heartfelt message inside.
Teachers per grade level: A small gift for each, such as a nice hand lotion or gift card to a gourmet coffee shop.
Principal: A card or note with handwritten thanks and homemade baked goods.
Other school personnel: Consider who your child interacts with regularly. If they work closely with a paraprofessional or other specialist, if a bus driver is extra helpful or if health issues bring them to the school nurse frequently, consider a gift of up to $20 in value each.
Daycare providers: A group gift for the staff to share, such as treats or a floral arrangement.
Regular babysitter: Up to one night’s pay or a gift card. A small gift from your children is also a nice touch.
Nanny or daily in-home caregiver: Up to one week’s pay. A small gift from your children is also a nice touch.
After-school dance instructor or tutor: Cash up to $25 or gift certificate to a favorite coffee shop. For volunteers such as sports league coaches, a handwritten note of thanks and a gift card of $20 or less would be appropriate.

Personal Care

Hair Stylist/Barber/Nail tech: Cash or gift card equivalent to one visit.
Barista: Up to $20.
Massage therapist/personal trainer: Cash or gift card equivalent to one visit.
Dry cleaner: Baked goods or other small token of appreciation.

USPS, FedEx and UPS

United Parcel Service (UPS): UPS allows drivers to accept a small gift or nominal gratuity.
FedEx: FedEx Employees can accept a gift valued up to $75, no cash or gift cards.
United States Postal Service (USPS): Mail carriers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or cash equivalents. They may accept a holiday gift valued up to $20. Be creative and make it personal when you know your mail carrier’s preferences. Refer to their website for specifics.
“All postal employees, including carriers, must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. Under these federal regulations, carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount. Furthermore, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.”

Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like my Holiday Tipping Etiquette segment on KHOU 11. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.