Holiday Tip or Skip?

My girlfriend used to live in a New York City apartment that had a doorman. I remember her explaining to me how vital it was to tip him for the holidays. And if she didn't... she would never receive her packages again! Now I've never had a doorman hold a piece of mail hostage, but I do know several service providers that make my life better, easier, more beautiful, or in rare cases, like my hair person, all of the above! Obviously you're going to need to consider your personal budget. If you don't have the means, consider a handmade gift or even a handwritten, thoughtful note.

I found this handy holiday tipping guidelines from the Emily Post Institute.


Au pair or live-in nanny: Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well. (One week’s pay and a gift from your children.)

Regular babysitter: Cash. (One evening’s pay and a small gift from your children.)

Day care provider: Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your children. (A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your children.)

Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper): Cash and a personal gift. (One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.)

Private nurse: Gift (A thoughtful gift from you.)

Home health employees: Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. (If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency.)

Housekeeper/Cleaner: Cash and/or a gift. (Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.)

Nursing home employees: A gift (not cash). Check company policy first. (A gift that could be shared by the staff like flowers or food items.)

Barber: Cash or gift. (Cost of one haircut or a gift.)

Beauty salon staff: Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service. (The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you.)

Personal trainer: Cash or gift. (Up to the cost of one session or a gift.)

Massage therapist: Cash or gift. (Up to the cost of one session or a gift.)

Pet groomer: Cash or gift. (Up to the cost of one session or a gift.)

Dog walker: Cash or gift. (Up to one week’s pay or a gift.)

Personal caregiver: Cash or gift. (Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift.)

Pool cleaner: Cash or gift. (The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.)

Garage attendants: Cash or small gift. ($10-30 or a small gift.)

Newspaper delivery person: Cash or small gift. ($10-30 or a small gift.)

Mail carrier: Small gift only. (United States Postal Service’s gift regulations prohibit carriers from accepting cash gifts, checks, gift cards.)

Package deliverer: Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.) Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.

Superintendent: Cash or gift. $20-80 or a gift

Doorman: Cash or gift ($15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.)

Handyman: Cash or gift. ($15 to $40.)

Trash/Recycling collectors: Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service. ($10-30 each.)

Yard/Garden worker: Cash or gift. ($20-50 each)

Teachers: Gift (not cash) A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child.