Holiday Tipping Etiquette: Who to Tip and How Much

Navigating Holiday Tipping

• 💡 Holiday tipping can be a complex area, especially for those providing regular services throughout the year.
• 📌 It's important to consider tipping individuals like doormen, supers, porters, teachers, nannies, and crossing guards.

Key Principles for Tipping

• 💰 Cash is king; while cookies and gift cards are nice, monetary tips are generally preferred.
• ⏰ Timing matters: Tipping should ideally happen before the holiday itself, as recipients need cash for immediate needs.
• 🎯 Tipping is discretionary, and individuals often understand if your financial situation has changed.

Deciding on Amounts and Alternatives

• 💬 While amounts can matter, a handwritten note detailing a specific instance where someone helped you can go a long way if cash is not feasible.
• 🤝 Some service providers value continued patronage and recommendations more than a one-time cash tip.
• ⚠️ If you cannot afford to tip, a specific and heartfelt handwritten letter acknowledging their service is a good alternative.

Discretionary Tipping and Overlooked Recipients

• ✅ You have the discretion to choose whom to tip; if you don't feel a particular service provider deserves a tip, you are not obligated to give one.
• 🏠 For service providers like home care attendants or housekeepers, where transactional tipping isn't regular, the end-of-year tip is a significant opportunity to show appreciation.
• 📬 Postal workers can accept gifts valued at $20 or less, as cash and gift cards are not permitted by USPS.
• 📦 FedEx and UPS also have policies against cash tips for their drivers.