Holiday tipping guide: Who to tip and how much

The holiday season is the perfect time to show gratitude to the people who make your life easier throughout the year. From your babysitter to your hairstylist, a thoughtful tip or gift can go a long way in expressing appreciation. 

But figuring out who to tip, how much to give, and how to manage it all without going over budget can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created this definitive holiday tipping guide to help you spread cheer and gratitude — but without stress.

Why holiday tipping matters

Holiday tipping is about saying “thank you” to the people who provide consistent services, often behind the scenes. It’s a way to recognize their hard work and dedication. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a kind gesture that helps foster stronger relationships with those who contribute to your everyday life.

Whether it’s your dog walker who braves the cold, your doorman who greets you with a smile, or the housekeeper who keeps your space sparkling, holiday tipping is a meaningful way to show how much you value their time and effort.

Who to tip during the holidays

Not sure who should be on your holiday tipping list? Start with the people you interact with regularly, such as:

1. Home service providers:

   • Housekeepers, gardeners, and pool cleaners often go unnoticed but play a significant role in maintaining your home.

2. Child and pet caregivers:

   • Nannies, babysitters, teachers, daycare staff, dog walkers, and pet groomers make life easier by caring for your loved ones.

3. Building staff and maintenance workers:

   • Superintendents, doormen, handypersons, and trash collectors keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

4. Beauty and fitness professionals:

   • Hairstylists, manicurists, massage therapists, and personal trainers help us look and feel our best.

5. Delivery workers and mail carriers:

   • Couriers, postal employees, and newspaper carriers bring packages and news to your door in all kinds of weather.

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

How much to tip each person

The amount you tip often depends on the level of service, the relationship, and your budget. Here’s a general tipping guide to help guide how much to give this holiday season: 

Home service providers

• Housekeepers: Up to one week’s pay or a small gift.

• Gardener: $20 to $50 or the cost of one visit.

• Trash collectors (if allowed in your area): $10 to $30 each.

Caregivers

• Babysitter: One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child.

• Nanny: One to two week’s pay plus a personal gift.

• Daycare staff: $25 to $70 per staff member, paired with a handmade gift from your child.

• Pet groomer or dog walker: The cost of one visit or one week’s pay.

Building staff

• Doorman: $20 to $100, depending on how much assistance they provide.

• Superintendent: $20 to $80, depending on their responsiveness and workload.

• Handyperson: $20 to $50 for frequent help.

Beauty and wellness professionals

• Hairstylist or barber: The cost of one visit.

• Massage therapist or personal trainer: Up to the cost of one session.

Mail and delivery workers

• Mail carriers (USPS): Small gifts under $20; Cash is prohibited as are items like gift cards that can be exchanged for cash. 

• Package couriers (FedEx, UPS): A small gift like baked goods, as many are discouraged from accepting tips.

• Newspaper delivery person: $10 to $30 or a thoughtful gift.

Budget-friendly holiday tipping tips

The holidays can strain even the best-planned budgets, but tipping doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways to manage holiday tipping while staying within your means:

Set a tipping budget

Before you start tipping, decide how much you can afford overall. Categorize your tipping list by priority — those who provide essential services to you year-round should come first.

Offer thoughtful alternatives

If money is tight, a small gift or handwritten note can be just as meaningful. Homemade cookies, a box of chocolates, or a heartfelt thank-you card adds a personal touch that workers will greatly appreciate.

Pool resources for group gifts

For teachers or building staff, consider coordinating with others to give a larger group gift. A gift card to a popular local restaurant or a spa day voucher can feel special.

Holiday tipping etiquette

While there’s no strict rulebook for holiday tipping, certain etiquette tips will help ensure your gesture is well-received.

• Always include a thank-you note. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — a few heartfelt sentences expressing your appreciation can make a simple gift feel even more meaningful.

• Be discreet. If you’re tipping in cash, place it in an envelope with their name on it and deliver it privately. This avoids any awkwardness around others.

• Check company policies. Some workers, such as mail carriers or healthcare staff, may have restrictions on accepting tips or gifts. When in doubt, call and ask their employer for guidance.

• Personalize when possible. Show your familiarity with a personal gift. For example, gifting gloves to a dog walker or a favorite snack to a caregiver adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness.

When gifts might be better than cash

For certain individuals, like teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees, non-cash gifts are not only thoughtful but sometimes required. Consider gifting these individuals something useful or personal, like:

• A gift card for coffee or books.

• A framed photo or artwork made by a child.

• A festive potted plant or holiday decoration.

Always pair the gift with a note detailing how much their service means to you!

Final thoughts

Holiday tipping is less about following rigid rules and more about expressing gratitude to the people who support you throughout the year. Whether it’s a cash tip, a small gift, or a handwritten note, your gesture will undoubtedly brighten their holiday season.

Remember, it’s the thought and effort that matters most. This season, spread joy within your means and celebrate the hardworking individuals who make your life a little brighter. 

Teach money skills for life. Kids learn by doing — and Greenlight’s all-in-one family app helps you weave money management into daily life. Try Greenlight now.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.