It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so the song goes—and certainly time to start making your list and checking it twice for those who provide you with year round loyal service. Holiday tipping will soon be in full swing, and your budget may be a bit short of funds while your heart is full of love. There are a few things to consider when deciding who gets a gift, a tip or simply a holiday greeting card. In today’s post, we’re sharing our 2023 holiday tipping guide.
But first, let’s answer three commonly asked holiday tipping etiquette questions:
Who gets a holiday tip, and who can you skip?
The first consideration is your bank account. Nothing is worse than making it through the holiday season with a huge pile of debt to welcome in 2024. While you shouldn’t overlook some people, you may opt to give others a handwritten note of appreciation and a loaf of your famous banana bread rather than a tip. As a reminder, you will tip those who have shown you loyalty throughout the year. Only you can make the decision on who to tip and who to skip.
Keep the following in mind:
- Your location (small towns generally expect less than large cities),
- The type of service (modest or expensive),
- The length of time you have been using their service,
- The frequency of your visits, and a
- Good dose of emotional intelligence.
For example, if you have just started going to a new hair stylist and you only visit them once every other month, it’s not necessary to make a special trip to go in and leave a large tip. Your approach will be different for someone you see regularly—and will see in a couple of weeks—before the holiday frenzy. The following is a comprehensive list for you to pick and choose the service providers you are most inclined to tip.
Is there a mandatory rule on what amount to tip?
No. The following suggestions are simply guidelines that may serve as recommendations, however, the final decision is up to you. Your tip may vary, depending on your own, personal relationship with the person.
What About the On-Screen Tipping Prompt?
Feel free to tip what you are comfortable giving. If it’s an extra “holiday” gesture, the person behind the counter will appreciate it, and probably split it among their team at the end of the shift.
2023 Holiday Tipping Guide
Office
Boss – Don’t give your boss money, an expensive or overly personal gift. Consider bringing in baked goods or a small token of seasonal appreciation. Best choice is to start a gift “pool” and collect money from colleagues that want to donate towards a group gift.
Office Assistant – If a bonus isn’t on the radar, give a gift card or gift you are confident your assistant will enjoy. The cost of the gift will be based on relationship and tenure.
Coworker – Give something that the person collects or enjoys. (i.e. fun office products, coffee mug, flavored instant coffee, hot cocoa, inspirational desk calendar, etc.)
Client – Check the corporate gift giving policy before delivering a holiday gift. When appropriate, give something enjoyable, without a logo. (i.e. gift basket of gourmet foods, wine and cheese, fruit, etc.)
Secret Santa – Stick to the agreed upon dollar amount. Don’t drop the ball. Everyone in the office
should participate unless there are religious or cultural reasons.
School
Check school or company policy. Don’t forget to include a gift card and note.
Teacher – Avoid cash. Instead, contribute to a class gift, or gift certificate. Don’t forget the teacher’s
aide.
Multiple Teachers Per Grade Level – Give a small gift certificate to each (coffee shop for example) or baked goods, or class gift pool.
School Secretary – A small gift or gift certificate.
School Nurse – A gift certificate or small gift.
Principal – Home baked goods and a holiday greeting card.
Bus Driver – $20 each for delivering your child to and from home safely.
School Lunch Provider(s) – $20 each if your kid’s lunch team watches over your child with a serious allergy or intolerance.
Home and Apartment
Doorman – $20 – $100 (more if they provide heavily for you during the year.) Make an attempt to give each doorman the same amount.
Handyman – $20-$100
Garage Attendant – $10-$50
Landlord or Building Manger – $50 upwards, depending on their level of support.
Daily/Weekly Housekeeper – Equivalent to one day’s (or week’s) service.
Newspaper Delivery – $10-$30
Pool Cleaner & Lawn Maintenance – Equivalent to one week’s service.
Trash Collector – Check local regulations for public service employees. If there are no restrictions, $10-
$25 per person. Give it to them personally or drop off the gift at their corporate office.
Delivery
Curbside Grocery Deliverer – Check the grocer’s website before you shop when it comes to determining whether or not the deliverer can be tipped. Most grocers do not allow tipping.
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. 15-20 % or no less than 5.00
Third-Party Delivery Drivers (Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.) – 15 to 20% of service
Hotel
Hotel Concierge – For quick directions to the nearest coffee shop, no tip is required. However, for acquiring easy theatre tickets or dinner reservations, tip $5 to $10, and $20 upwards for special services.
Hotel Housekeeping – Tip daily, as employees change from one day to another, $3 to $5 per day. A good rule of thumb is $1 per person staying in the room if there are multiple people.
Hotel Bellman – Generally, $1 to $2 per bag, but if you only have one or two bags, make it worth the bellman’s trip and offer him $5.
Hotel Room Service – If the tip has not been included in the bill, tip 15% to 20%. It is not necessary to leave an additional tip for tray pick-up.
The Valet – $2 to $5 dollars when they bring your car up to the curb.
Doorman Who Hails a Cab – $2 to $5 for help with hailing a taxi, offering an umbrella, helping you with your bags, etc. (rule of thumb: if they “touch” it – bags, luggage, extra pillows, etc – you tip them)
Miscellaneous
Babysitter – A cash equivalent to one night’s pay or a gift card.
Nanny – One week’s (to one month’s) pay and a gift from your child.
Hair Stylist, Manicurist, Personal Trainer, & Massage Therapist – A tip or gift card equivalent to one visit.
Shampoo Attendant – $5-$10
Pet Groomer – A cash gift equivalent to one service.
Dog Walker – A cash gift equivalent to one day (or one week’s) service.
Home Health Care – Check the corporate gift giving policy. If no restrictions, a gift or gift certificate.
Private Chef – One week’s service.
Barista – $20
Food delivery – 18-20%
Bartender – $20
After school dance instructor, tutor, little league coach – $25 or gift certificate to favorite coffee shop.
Wine Stewards – If they help you choose a bottle or choose it for you, it’s appropriate to tip 10% to 20% of the wine bill only.
Uber and Lyft Drivers – Similar to a taxi driver, 15% to 20% is standard. Don’t forget that drivers rate riders, as well.
Mail & Package Delivery
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.
USPS – Mail carriers may not accept cash gifts or cash equivalents. They may accept a gift valued up to
$20.
Skip – You do not “tip” but you might want to drop off a tray of cookies or baked goods if you are in for a visit.
- Cable/IT professional
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Tailor
- Lawyer
- Dry Cleaner
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
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