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Writer's pictureCaitlin Kindred

'Tis the Season to Say Thank You: What to Know About Holiday Tipping

Updated: Nov 11

Your Guide to Holiday Bonus Season

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday tipping? Unsure who to tip or how much to give? You're not alone! Navigating the etiquette of showing gratitude during the holidays can be stressful and confusing. But don't worry—it's time to approach your holiday tipping and gifting with confidence and generosity. Let's make this year's holiday season a breeze!

your guide to holiday tipping

Episode Takeaways

  • Learn how to budget wisely for holiday tipping and maximize your gratitude.

  • Explore smart strategies for showing appreciation when funds are limited.

  • Master the art of holiday tipping for 2024, and impress others with your thoughtfulness.


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Your Guide to Holiday Tipping

The TL;DR Version

  1. We encourage you to include tips in your overall gift-giving budget. It’s important to be honest and transparent if financial constraints prevent you from giving the recommended amounts. There are other ways to show appreciation beyond monetary tips that are just as thoughtful and budget-friendly.

  2. Make sure you understand individual preferences and limitations when giving holiday tips. Consider pooling resources for group gifts and organizing social gatherings to thank service providers.

  3. Reframing tipping as a gesture of gratitude rather than an obligation can help you lead with thoughtfulness this season.


Keep Reading for More...

Holiday tipping. Who to tip, how much to give them… it’s a thing. 


I know the basics, right? Always tip your server at a restaurant, tip your hairdresser, etc. Generally, I tip the people who do things for me that I can’t do for myself... like Dwight Schrute.


But there are rules about tipping that I didn’t know. In fact, I didn’t even know that you’re supposed to tip hotel staff who clean your room. (Did you know that?)


So today, we’re giving you some guidelines around tipping, including how to say ‘thank you’ another way if tipping just isn’t in your budget for everyone this year (understandable AF).


tipping isn’t obligatory 

That word “should”? Don’t use it here. 


A holiday tip is a token of gratitude for the people who helped you this year. It’s not tit-for-tat. 


And there’s some stigma around the word “tipping” too–so maybe call it a bonus instead!


Set a budget

Include tips in your overall holiday gift-giving budget, and set aside the money that you plan to give. If you just can’t give the recommended amounts (which we’ll get to in a minute), we have a plan for that. 


Make a list

Who helps you during the year?

  • Nanny/babysitter

  • Dog walker/pet sitter

  • Housecleaner, doorman, maintenance workers

  • Personal trainer, hairstylist


I don’t know about you, but for me, this list is long AF.


Prioritize by 

  • How regularly you use their services

  • How long you’ve known them

  • Biggest life-changers 


When to tip

Like… now?


Don’t wait until Christmas Eve. This money likely goes to Christmas gifts. 


Tipping Amount Guidelines

Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, suggests the “up to” rule (which I love!). It’s a guideline for tipping! Here’s how it works:


Look at “up to a week’s pay” or “up to one session’s pay.” This is your guiding amount for your peeps. Use your discretion for the relationship you have with this person to go up or down accordingly.


Add a card if you’re planning to hand out cash or a check. It’s festive and makes it less awkward. You can TOTALLY tip with an app, just include a personalized message when you send!


Recommended Amounts

Here are some common bonus recipients and about how much to give:

  • Babysitter/nanny = 1 typical session/1 week’s pay

  • Daycare staffer (oops, didn’t know this was a tip, but I did always give a nice gift!) = $25-75, depending on how many hours your child is with them

  • Hairstylist = cost of 1 service

  • In-home caregiver = 1 week’s pay

  • Housecleaner = 1 visit

  • Landscaper (I ain’t got wonna deez) = 1 session 

  • Pool cleaners = 1 session, divided amongst themselves

  • Massage therapist = 1 session

  • Manicurist/pedicurist/esthetician you see regularly = 1 session

  • Newspaper delivery person = $10-30

  • Personal trainer (deez either) = 1 session

  • Pet sitter/dog walker/groomer = 1 session

  • Sanitation workers = $10-30 each


Do you live in an apartment? There are some other folks to consider… (also, renters tend to give less than owners)

  • Super/resident manager = $150-300

  • Door attendant/concierge = $75-200

  • Porter, handyman/maintenance staff = $25-50

  • Garage attendant = $25-75


Note that many of these are expenses that many people don’t opt in to. What I mean is, if I can’t afford to tip my server, I’m not going out to eat at a restaurant (and you shouldn’t be either). But an in-home caregiver? Daycare worker? Your apartment super? These aren’t those types of expenses, you know?


Other Ways to Say Thanks

Now, that said, that’s a huge list, though it isn’t exhaustive, and there are definitely some people that you might not be able to thank with money, and that’s OKAY!


Don't forget that there are some people who can’t accept cash gifts (or can’t over a certain amount) or gift cards. Postal workers can’t accept anything more than $20/calendar year (I saw $50 in another article), and delivery drivers are often discouraged from taking them.


Check with other agencies (like those providing in-home care) about cash tips and bonuses. 


Here are some alternatives to cash… warm, soft cash…

  • Cards with heartfelt messages and/or artwork from your kids

  • Baked treats (I recommend prepackaged ones. Some people won't eat homemade stuff!)

  • Leave out snacks and beverages for delivery drivers and postal workers 

  • Work socks (comfy ones for inside workboots, etc.)


You can also pool your funds with others! This is a great option for

  • Class gifts for teachers

  • Collections for apartment building workers or office maintenance staff


When Cash Tips Aren't In Your Budget

Look, we get it. Inflation is still a problem and you might not be able to do anything. 


Chances are, the person you planned to tip gets it too. And, they’re not gonna hold it against you! I’m sure they’d rather you keep paying for the service (you know, supporting them regularly) than be stressed about an optional holiday bonus. 


At the very least, write a heartfelt note. It’s okay to say something like

Thank you so much for your hard work all year. This year, things are tight and I find myself unable to provide cash tips/bonuses, but this isn’t a reflection on you or your support. I truly appreciate you and wish I could do more to say thank you. Wishing you and all of yours a wonderful holiday season!


No Matter What…

Don’t feel anxious about the amount you tip. Your anxiety is probably like “you aren’t giving enough” but that’s just not true! Tipping isn’t a contest. People just appreciate that you did anything to show them that you value their work.


Do what you can. It’s enough. 


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Make good choices,

Caitlin (& Jenny)

Bios

Caitlin K, known for her brilliantly flustered and always entertaining persona, expertly navigates holiday tipping etiquette. She brings humor and practical advice to the art of showing gratitude, offering insights on who to tip, how much to give, and budget-friendly appreciation. Caitlin's warm approach makes her the ideal guide for understanding holiday tipping in 2024, leaving you confident and prepared.

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