The holiday season is typically considered a time to offer generous tips to those who have provided excellent service throughout the year. Tipping is a way to express appreciation to people who have made life easier for you in big or small ways. For many people, the etiquette of tipping is unfamiliar territory, and holiday tipping presents an even bigger quandary. What are the guidelines of how to tip during the holidays? With Mahalo's holiday tipping guide, you'll be sure to know exactly whom to tip and how much.
Tipping the Mail Carrier
According to the U.S. Postal Service, mail carriers are not allowed to accept cash, gift cards or checks. They can accept small gifts of food or items like travel mugs or gloves—anything less than $20. Larger food gifts, like tins of Christmas cookies or gift baskets must be shared with others working at the same postal branch.Emily Post: Holiday Tipping Guidelines USPS.gov: Holiday 'Tips'
Featured
Holiday Tipping Scrooges
- Gawker's Holiday Tipping Guide (December 4, 2006)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Housekeepers, dog walkers, gardeners and garbage collectors are often tipped during the holidays
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Nannies, babysitters, child care providers, and tutors or coaches should be remembered as well
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Fact:
Apartment services providers are often given holiday gratuities, including the building superintendent, doorman, garage attendant and elevator operator
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Your personal care posse should be remembered
hairstylist, waxer, facialist, manicurist, cobbler, dry cleaner and yoga instructor
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Also consider tipping the maitre d' at your favorite restaurant, the pool cleaner, the landscaper, the tennis instructor, the snow plow operator and the physical therapist
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Holiday gifts can be given in lieu of a cash gratuity
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Fact:
Homemade gifts can be a great solution to those on a tight budget
