‘Tis The Season For Holiday Tipping: Who To Tip And How Much
There’s a lot to think about, organize and implement this time of year. Take a deep breath and tackle one thing at a time. When it comes to gifting outside your family and friends, we could all use a little advice. ‘Tis the season for holiday tipping. Here’s who to tip and how much, according to the experts.
First thing we all need to do, if you don’t have holiday cards already made, is buy some, or make some. You can put your gift card or money for a tip in it with a quick note of appreciation. Etiquette expert Emily Post recommends a short handwritten note of two -three sentences is should always accompany a tip or gift.
The Nice List
Now, you need to decide how much you can afford for holiday tipping, and who is on your “nice” list. Typically, tips are given to those who you encounter or work with on a regular basis. Your favorite bartender or waitress at your regular spot should be considered. Babysitters, caretakers and dog walkers are all deserving of your monetary appreciation. You mail carrier or regular delivery person is “nice list” worthy, as is your hair stylist or barber. Teachers, handyman (or woman) and house cleaner should be considered.
Expert Advise
Emily Post says you should consider the relationship first and foremost. From the number of years you’ve been using the service or person to your relationship with them. Here are a few things from the article for tip relationship considerations:
- The quality and frequency of the service you receive.
- Your relationship with the service provider.
- Location: Tipping averages tend to be higher in larger cities.
- Length of service: The number of years you’ve been using the service.
I consulted FastCompany for a itemized tip list, to help all of us! Check this out, direct from their website:
| Service Professional | Suggested Tip or Gift Options |
| Au Pair or nanny | Tip equal to 1 to 2 weeks’ pay |
| Babysitter | Tip equal to average pay for a single babysitting session |
| Day care center staff | Gift card of about $25 or small consumable gift |
| Dog walker | Tip equal to 1 to 3 dog walking sessions, depending on frequency |
| Hairdresser, manicurist or masseuse | Tip equal to the cost of one session |
| House cleaner | Tip equal to 20% to 100% of the cost of a one cleaning session |
| Personal trainer | Tip equal to the cost of one session |
| Postal worker/mail carrier | Non-cash gift worth less than $20 or small consumable gift (such as baked goods) |
| School bus driver | Small gift |
| Teacher | Gift card of about $25 or small consumable gift |
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Memberships
Gifting an annual membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium, or perhaps, for those aged 21 and above, a wine club or mug club membership can make for a wonderful holiday gift. It’s a simple and thoughtful gesture that can benefit almost everyone this season. Offering your friends or family several months or a full year at a location they cherish is an excellent method to provide them with extra savings and a valuable present they can enjoy throughout the year.
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Outdoor Experiences
Offer the gift of a year-long adventure with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass grants free entry to all 115 National Parks with entrance fees, along with over 3,000 other federal lands. The pass includes the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults (aged 16 and above), with free admission for children under 15. Similar passes are available at various state parks, city and county parks, as well as botanical gardens nationwide, either for online purchase or directly on-site. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
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Personalized Celebrity Videos
Imagine the excitement of receiving a personalized video message from your beloved celebrity, something you can hold onto for a lifetime. Cameo provides a platform where you can hire celebrities and athletes to create personalized videos, making them memorable gifts. The pricing for Cameo videos is set individually by thousands of actors, artists, and influencers and can range from as low as $1 to as high as $15,000 for personal videos, depending on the celebrity’s status and demand.
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Movie Gift Card
It’s reassuring to know that you’re offering your loved ones something they can personally choose and appreciate. Movie gift cards are a great option as they usually have no expiration date and can be used to buy movie tickets and concessions at the specific theater or theaters from which they are purchased. The recipient can use it for any movie they desire, without having to dip into their own funds.
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Amusement Park Passes
Consider giving tickets to a theme park amusement park as one of the most enjoyable experiential gifts. When presenting tickets as a gift, there’s room for creativity in how you package the gift, whether in a sizable wrapped box or as part of a unique scavenger hunt.
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Indoor Attraction Passes
There are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to explore, including options like indoor rock climbing, trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, game centers, arcades, and escape rooms. A gift of this kind can be especially convenient for those times when you’re looking for indoor entertainment, especially during bad weather.
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Concert or Show Tickets
Concert or show tickets are a great gift choice. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience and make for a thoughtful way to celebrate your best friend and their interests. Even if they’ve seen the band before, each performance is unique and memorable.
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Sporting Event Tickets
If you have a sports enthusiast in your circle, giving them tickets to a baseball game is a thoughtful gesture to express your care. It’s also an excellent means of enjoying quality time together while rooting for your favorite team. To make the experience even better, you can go the extra mile by including a food voucher along with the tickets.
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Self Care Experience
Offer the perfect gift of relaxation and beauty, whether it’s a spa day, a massage, a facial, or a visit to the salon for hair styling, a wash, or a manicure and pedicure. Depending on the recipient, this could be something you can enjoy together. It’s an opportunity to unwind and connect, spending quality time together, catching up on life, sharing some laughter, and reminiscing about the past.
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Classes or Lessons
Lessons in various experiences, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or sewing lessons, can be beneficial to many. This kind of gift is well-suited for people who enjoy learning and trying out new experiences. By gifting classes or lessons, you provide someone with an additional means of self-expression.
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