Tis the season to tip, and every year, it’s not a surprise that there are certain people you wish to acknowledge with the gift of cash. Having a “gentle guide” will leave you feeling more confident and less stressed. I am often quoted in the media on how much to tip, and while some things never change, I would like to take a different, more flexible approach when it comes to 2022 Holiday Tipping Etiquette. A holiday tip is simply a gift you give to someone who provides an important service to you throughout the year. It may also serve as a way to express your gratitude for exceptional service or a valuable relationship.
This year will require some deep thinking as many people are feeling the pinch of inflation, lost wages and plummeting stocks. While it’s important to be mindful of your budget and make certain to put your family first as the priority, showing gratitude to those who go out of their way to offer loyal service is an expression of kindness. The key is to put your attention on those you rely on to make your life easier and run more efficiently. Some examples would be:
- Nanny – The cost of one week’s service
- Housekeeper – The cost of one week’s service, whether it’s once a week or five days a week
- Hair stylist – One service or a thoughtful gift or gift card
- Spa/Nails/Massage – One service or a thoughtful gift or gift card
- Teacher – A group gift with other parents would be the optimum choice
- Tennis instructor – One service or a thoughtful gift or gift card
- Pet groomer – The cost of one service
What To Do When Budgets are Tight
When you simply can’t afford all of these tips, you may consider doubling your standard tip. For example, if you generally leave 20 dollars, consider 40 or 60 dollars rather than the cost of a service. Right now, we all must do what we can to show kindness while maintaining some order to our budget.
When you visit a local car wash where employees often rotate, you may offer the attendants on duty an extra 10.00 in the spirit of the holiday season. Do the same for delivery drivers you wouldn’t see routinely but feel compelled to spread the holiday cheer.
2022 Holiday Tipping Guide
A holiday tip is customary for those who want to express their gratitude to providers who offer loyal service throughout the year. For a complete breakdown, please refer to my 2022 Holiday Tipping Guide below and remember to give yourself a little holiday grace. The thoughtfulness you share with the world lifts the spirits of those around you.
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
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
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 Pickup – 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.) – 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.
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 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. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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