Ask The Piggy Bank: How Much Should I Give in Holiday Tipping?

One of the biggest questions I get this time of year has to do with holiday tipping etiquette. Since generosity is part of healthy personal finances, I’m all for holiday tipping. But it can be difficult to know how much to tip each person who makes your life a little easier. So here is a list designed to help you with holiday tipping:

U.S. Mail Carriers

I’ll start with this, since this is the most common question I get. My brother-in-law’s mother used to be a postal worker, and  she pointed out that cash gifts are not acceptable. Why? Because it can violate federal law. She recommends a non-cash gift of between $5 and $20 (do not go about $20 value). Here are some ideas that the USPS offers for tipping U.S. mail carriers:

• Snacks and beverages (not part of meal)
• Flowers
• Pens, greeting cards, mugs, etc.
• Cookies, other sweets

Other professionals and holiday tipping

If you have a regular hair stylist or a maid you employ directly (not a service) or other professionals, such as a nanny or gardener, there are some basic rules to holiday tipping:

• Newspaper carrier: Weekend = $10 and Daily = $25
• Gardener: $20-$50
• Hair stylist: at least $15 (this is true for massage therapists, manicurists/pedicurists, etc. who you see regularly)
• Maid: A week’s worth of pay
• Teacher: $25-$100. Gift certificates are good choices. But watch out: some are wary of gifts given if it is near the issuance of grades.
• Tutors, dance teachers, coaches, etc.: Have your child give a small gift
• Daycare: $25-$70 (depending on how often) and a gift from the child
• Regular babysitter: One night’s pay and a small gift from the child
• Au pair: One week’s pay plus small gift
• Nanny, full-time: One week  (or one month if with you for a long time) pay and small gift
• Personal trainer: Between $60 and $100, depending on how you are reaching your goals
• Dog groomer: Between 1/4 and 1/2 the cost of a session
• Dog walker/sitter: One or two week’s pay