How can it possibly be time for the holidays already? The turkey isn’t even in the oven, and Thanksgiving will arrive in the blink of an eye. Gift giving is on many people’s minds, as it’s always best to buy thoughtfully and without last-minute pressure. One topic that is always HUGE in November and December is holiday tipping etiquette, specifically, who to tip and how much. In today’s post, we’re sharing our 2025 Holiday Tipping Guide along with our thoughts for the season.

‘Tis the Season to Tip

A holiday tip is customary for those who want to express their gratitude to providers who offer loyal service throughout the year. One of the most meaningful ways to show a loyal caregiver or provider you are thankful is to give them a “bonus” tip during the holiday season. Either over Thanksgiving or a December celebration is the perfect time to gift with holiday gratuity. With tipping fatigue also in the spotlight, modern living has expanded the list of who you could potentially tip.

A Good Rule of Thumb

The rule of thumb when it comes to holiday tipping is to keep your budget in mind, make it personal, and gift with sincerity. When you can’t afford to tip, write a thoughtful note or give something from the heart, such as a loaf of hot sourdough bread from your oven, or a baked goodie. Always consider “gratitude over guilt” when you are giving this holiday season. Here are a few ideas and a loose guideline to follow.  

Is There a Mandatory Rule on What to Tip?

No. The following suggestions are simply guidelines that will offer 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 Tip Option on a Tablet?

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.

Office

Boss – Optional. 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 who want to donate towards a group gift.

Office Assistant – If a cash bonus is not on the radar, give a thoughtful gift card or a modest but useful gift. The cost of the gift will be based on relationship and tenure.

Coworker – Give something that the person collects or enjoys, not overly personal.  (i.e. unique office products, a new coffee mug, flavored instant coffee or hot cocoa in a gift basket with a sweet or salty treat, inspirational desk calendar or note pad with their favorite pen they seem to “borrow” every time they visit your office)

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, thermal cup with THEIR NAME ON IT, 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.

Hybrid or Remote Office Settings – Consider a small virtual thank-you gesture (e.g., digital gift cards or handwritten e-cards).

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.

Childcare Center Staff – $25-$50 gift card or pooled class gift

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, or other modest gift if you desire, and a holiday greeting card

School Bus Driver – $20 each

School Lunch Provider(s) – $20 each

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 – if you use their service

Garage Attendant – $10-$50 – if you use their service

Landlord or Building Manager – $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 – $25-$50, or 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 person can be tipped. Most grocers do not allow tipping at curbservice. 

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.

Third-Party Delivery Drivers (Uber Eats and Door Dash) – 15 to 20% of service during the holiday and regular time of the  year

Hotel

Hotel Concierges – 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 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 normal tip doubled

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

A Holiday Heart

Etiquette is deeply rooted in kindness and compassion, and many people are often overlooked. During the holiday season, make a special effort to notice those who may be hungry, thirsty, or need an extra blanket or sweater. Acts of compassion go a long way in making another person’s life a little (or a lot) better. Here are a few more ideas, and I am sure others are on your holiday radar.

• Support a Local Pet Rescue: Donate food, blankets, and time to local rescues, or offer to cover the adoption fee for someone who is vetted but may not be able to afford the steep adoption fee.
• Tip it Forward: Pay for a meal, or the coffee for the person in front of you, or behind you. Keep it anonymous and spread some holiday cheer.
• Don’t Forget Service Workers: There are too many to mention, and each of us sees people regularly who are helping out in the community. A few that come to mind are the delivery person (already on the tipping guideline list, but a good reminder), the school crossing guard, and the doorman who always holds the door for you when it’s raining or you have heavy packages. 
• Organizations from the Heart: Do your research; a few we love are Meals on Wheels, Children’s Bereavement Center, Veteran Support Group, Community Arts Program, and the Chamber Music and Arts Center.

Final Thoughts

During the holiday, generosity takes center stage when making another person feel special. Tipping is a way to show those you care about, and those you want to help, that you appreciate them and are committed to making their lives a little better by knowing you.

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For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.