Here we provide some tips on how to appropriately tip others during the holiday season.
Key Details
- Inflation has caused tip expectations to rise in the U.S., and etiquette experts have given tips on how to tip workers accurately during the holiday season.
- Who to tip, according to etiquette experts:
- Those who care for your home (housekeepers, landscapers, etc.)
- Those who care for your children and pets (babysitters, teachers, groomers, etc.)
- Those who care for you (hairdresser, nail salon, trainer, etc.)
- Building staff (doorman, handyman, etc.)
- Service providers (mail carrier, waitress, car wash employee, etc.)
- Tip amount depends on how much the person has to give and how much they think would show appreciation to workers, but experts have given opinions on a good starting point.
Why it’s news
During the holiday season, many people want to show appreciation to others around them, and many opt to give a tip as an act of gratitude.
Etiquette experts have weighed in on how to tip others accurately during high inflation. The experts offer tips on who, how, and how much to tip during these times.
“The key here is to express your sincerity and thankfulness,” says founder of the Swann School of Protocol, Elaine Swann. “Show that gratitude in the best way that you’re able to.”
Experts say the ones who need to be tipped make your life easier year-round, including housekeepers, teachers, mail carriers, etc. A tip is an excellent way to show appreciation for the work that they do for you.
How to tip
An excellent way to tip is with a “thank you” envelope with crisp bills inside. Give the envelope to them discreetly, but thank them and express your appreciation.
Experts say if you typically pay for services from this person through an app such as Venmo, you can use this, but make sure to detail appreciation.
“It should be straightforward,” says Swann. “Be very clear about the fact that you’re giving for the holiday season because they’ve gone above and beyond.”
When to tip
Any time after the beginning of November is appropriate for holiday tipping.
How much should you tip?
Those who care for your home:
A good tip would be the cost of one service to two weeks work of service.
Those who care for kids and pets:
The cost of one service to two weeks worth of service.
“Maybe a bit more if they’re there often, or if they sometimes stay a little bit longer because you have some sort of emergency at work,” says Swann.
Teachers are different since you don’t employ them—a simple gift workers for teachers and coaches.
A good addition would be a handwritten letter or gift from the children.
Those who care for you:
The cost of one service.
Staff:
A good starting point ranges from $25 to $150 per worker.
Other service providers:
Mail carriers are federal workers and can’t accept monetary gifts, so a small gift is best.
For servers and other workers, a tip of around $25 to $50, depending on service size, is a good tip.