Your Guide to Holiday Tipping

Kiplinger: Your Guide to Holiday Tipping

The holiday season is prime time to tip the people who make your life easier throughout the year.

Don't bust your budget to tip, but consider giving -- and even giving a little extra -- if you can manage it. Not only is it the season to do so, but you also may find a little bonus in it for you: A provider you tip generously will be more likely to treat you better in the coming year by, say, slipping you in for an appointment at the last minute or giving you extra services free.

And be sure not to tip unnecessarily. For example, "you don't tip 'professionals' that are on salary or charge large hourly rates and don't rely on gratuity as part of their income," says (Diane Gottsman), national etiquette expert. Your doctors, lawyers, accountants and real estate agents might fall into this category. In fact, some high earners might be a bit insulted by such a gesture. If you feel compelled to thank them, a gift (such as home-baked goods, a bottle of wine or chocolates) is okay.

Look through Kiplinger's slide show to find out how much green you should tuck into each card -- and who else might be unable, unhappy or unwilling to accept the cash.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Your Guide to Ho... The holiday season is prime time to tip the people who make your life easier throughout the year.

Don't bust your budget to tip, but consider giving -- and even giving a little extra -- if you can manage it. Not only is it the season to do so, but you also may find a little bonus in it for you: A provider you tip generously will be more likely to treat you better in the coming year by, say, slipping you in for an appointment at the last minute or giving you extra services free.

And be sure not to tip unnecessarily. For example, "you don't tip 'professionals' that are on salary or charge large hourly rates and don't rely on gratuity as part of their income," says (Diane Gottsman), national etiquette expert. Your doctors, lawyers, accountants and real estate agents might fall into this category. In fact, some high earners might be a bit insulted by such a gesture. If you feel compelled to thank them, a gift (such as home-baked goods, a bottle of wine or chocolates) is okay.

Look through Kiplinger's slide show to find out how much green you should tuck into each card -- and who else might be unable, unhappy or unwilling to accept the cash.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
1. Your Mail Car... Suggested Tip:
Just a gift

The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash gifts. A gift card or a basket of fruit, nuts or chocolates that could serve as an off-duty snack is acceptable. But gifts must be under $20 in value.

You could also throw in a glowing letter to a supervisor praising a carrier who was undeterred by snow, rain, heat or gloom of night. Such praise may mean even more than a gift, says Peggy Post, author of "Excuse Me, But I Was Next."
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
2. Your Doorman Suggested Tip:
$25 to $100 each

Consider opening your wallet for the person who opens your apartment or co-op entrance door all year long.

The higher end of the suggested range, or even more if you're feeling extra-generous, is for those who help you the most or provide exceptional service (think heavy grocery-bag luggers or expert taxi-cab hailers). And in high-end neighborhoods (hello, Upper East Side), doormen might be used to pocketing bigger tips.

But check with your building association first. You may be able to contribute to a collective fund that will be distributed appropriately to staff members.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
3. Your Newspape... Suggested Tip:
$10 to $30

If you tip regularly throughout the year, give your newsie just a few dollars. Or instead of cash, you can give a small gift, according to the Emily Post Institute.

Many newspapers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, offer the option of giving a tip to your delivery person online through your subscriber account. But even if you go digital with your tip, you might consider giving your carrier a nice note -- both to express your appreciation and to ensure he knows you tipped him.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
4. Your Childcar... Suggested Tip:
At least a week's pay, plus a small gift from your child

As someone who works closely with you and your child, your nanny or au pair should be at the top of your tip list. Consider adding a week's pay to the tip for each year the nanny has worked for you, says Jodi R.R. Smith, president of etiquette consultant Mannersmith.

For your regular babysitter -- someone you've had watch the kids frequently throughout the year or for last-minute emergencies -- one or two nights' pay is appropriate.

A day-care provider might deserve $25 to $70, but check with the facility's policies first.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
5. Your Trash an... Suggested Tip:
$10 to $30 each

You might hear them coming and going every trash day. But instead of rolling over and hitting the snooze button, around this time of year, consider throwing on your fuzzy slippers and bathrobe and catching some face time with your trash collectors. You should hand them their tips in an envelope with a nice note or holiday card directly.

But check on the rules for your municipality. Some jurisdictions forbid workers from accepting cash, according to the Emily Post Institute.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
6. Your Child's ... Suggested Tip:
A thoughtful gift

A tip for a teacher could look like a bribe. But a small gift accompanied by a note or drawing from your child is a nice thank-you for an educator's hard work.

Or pool your resources with other parents to buy the teacher a gift card. “A teacher doesn't need another mug,” says etiquette expert Smith. Just be sure to first check the policies of your child's school: If gifts are forbidden, a note of appreciation is always appropriate.
(iStock)

More From Kiplinger:
Test Your Holiday Tipping Etiquette
13 Holiday Money Wasters
12 Things NOT to Buy for the Holidays

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
More from Kiplin... Click here to see the entire list of who to tip (and how much) this Christmas.

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