Holiday Tipping Guide

With the holiday buzz in the air, it’s a good time to pause and acknowledge the folks who make our lives easier and more enjoyable year round. This holiday tipping guide aims to provide suggestions for tipping during this festive season, offering advice on showing gratitude to service workers and seasonal employees who contribute to the magic of the holidays. 

Balancing Tipping Fatigue

The holiday season, already a financially demanding time, can create a sense of overwhelming pressure to tip everyone. Expert advice recommends beginning by assessing your budget and working within its confines. The key is finding a balance between generosity and practicality, understanding that not all expressions of gratitude need to be monetary.

Holiday Tipping Suggestions

Expert guidelines from US News emphasize considering factors like the service, your relationship with the worker, and regional customs when tipping during the holidays. Here are some generally accepted standards:

• Restaurant Delivery Drivers:
  • Tip 20% of the total bill or a minimum of $5, whichever is higher.
• Ride-Share Drivers:
  • Tip between 15-20% of the fare.
• Babysitters or Nannies:
  • Show appreciation with one evening’s pay for babysitters and one week’s pay for nannies.
• Door Attendants:
  • Consider tipping between $20 to $100, depending on the level of service provided.
• Maintenance Workers (Housekeepers, Landscapers):
  • Tip one week’s pay for their dedicated service.
• Hairstylists or Beauticians:
  • Tip an amount equivalent to the cost of one visit.
• Repair People:
  • Offer a tip ranging from $20 to $100 for their expertise.
• Newspaper Carriers:
  • Show appreciation with a tip ranging from $10 to $30.
• Trash Collectors:
  • Tip between $10 to $25 per person, if allowed.
• Dog Walkers:
  • Express gratitude with a tip equivalent to one day or week’s pay.

Remember, this is a tipping guide. Personal considerations, such as the relationship with the provider and your budget, should play a role in your decision-making.

Tipping Your Servers and Bartenders This Holiday Season

The holiday season is known for dining out and celebrating with loved ones. For the waitstaff at restaurants, the standard tipping guide percentages ranges from 15% to 20%, but consider tipping more for exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations, especially if you are a regular customer. Similarly, bartenders deserve recognition, with a recommended tip of $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the total bill.

Company Gift Policies 

If you wish to thank your FedEx and UPS drivers this holiday season, consider their gift policies, ensuring your expressions align with their guidelines. FedEx prohibits cash, gift cards, and vacations but welcomes promotional gifts, flowers, and food. UPS drivers may accept small gifts or gratuities at their discretion, subject to approval from their manager.

United States Postal Service mail carriers during the holiday season adhere to specific guidelines. Permissible items include snacks, beverages, perishable gifts, and small gifts valued at no more than $20. Larger perishable items require sharing with the entire branch. Cash, checks, and gift cards are not accepted.

Seasonal and Temporary Workers

The holiday season often sees a rise of seasonal and temporary workers in various industries. Retail and customer service employees, working tirelessly during the holiday rush, deserve recognition. Seasonal and temporary workers also contribute significantly to the festive atmosphere. Simple gestures like a kind word or a small tip can go a long way in acknowledging their efforts.

Creative and Thoughtful Gift Ideas

For those seeking an alternative solution to their gratuity, consider personalized thank-you notes, homemade treats such as baked goods or snacks, or simply take a moment to share kind words. These small gestures add a personal touch that will make your service provider feel appreciated.

Happy Holidays!

The TipHaus team extends warm wishes to all our readers for a joyous holiday season. May your celebrations be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing more tips and insights with you in the coming year. Happy holidays!

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