The Give-Back Guide

by | Dec 11, 2019 | Holidays

Close up of small gift being held by a woman.

Happy Holidays! You’ve still got plenty of time to make your list and check it twice — and I’ve gone ahead and made my own list to help you. Below you’ll find a directory of professionals who your fellow customers may be tipping for the holidays, as well as some suggested amounts for you to consider giving.

  • Au pair, live-in nanny or home health aide: Up to one week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren), if gift giving is not against agency policy.
  • Regular babysitter: Up to one evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
  • Day care provider: A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member who works with your child(ren) and a small gift from your child(ren).
  • Live-in help: One week’s pay as a cash tip.
  • Housekeeper/Cleaner: Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
  • Barber or Beauty salon staff: Up to the cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you.
  • Personal trainer: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
  • Massage therapist: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
  • Pet groomer or dog walker: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
  • Pool cleaner: Up to the cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
  • Garage attendants: $25-$100
  • Newspaper delivery person: $10-30 or a small gift.
  • UPS or FedEx delivery person: Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.
  • Superintendent: $25-100 or a gift, depending how friendly and helpful your super has been.
  • Handyman: $15-40, depending how much you use their services.
  • Trash/Recycling collectors: $10-30 each, if private. Some regulations may prohibit collectors from accepting gifts. 
  • Yard/Garden worker: $20-$50. If they work often, give up to a week’s pay.

Mail carrier: Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service are only allowed to accept the following items during the holiday season:

  • Snacks and beverages or perishable gifts that are not part of a meal.
  • Small gifts (travel mugs, hand warmers, etc) that are clearly no more than $20 in value.
  • Perishable items (large fruit baskets/cookie tins) must be shared with the entire postal branch.

Mail carriers may not accept the following:

  • Cash gifts, checks, gift cards, or any other form of currency.

Any gift or tip should always be accompanied by a short, handwritten note of appreciation. Remember — words of gratitude go a long way!