Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, Is it really necessary to give tips during the Christmas season to our mail carrier, newspaper delivery person, and garbage collector? If yes, then how much do I tip? We can't afford much right now, so would be it okay to just give a card of thanks? Signed, To Tip or Not to Tip Dear To Tip, It is not a requirement, but it is customary during the holidays to tip the folks who perform regular services for you during the year. As with most tips, the amount depends on quality and frequency of the service, and your budget. Instead of cash, a gift certificate or small gift can also be given. If money is tight, then a note of thanks with some baked goodies would be nice and appreciated. The tipping guide table below is from Emily Post at www.emilypost.com and Jeanne Sahadi from CNN Money at www.money.cnn.com: CHILD CARE Babysitter: 1 evening's pay + small gift from child. Au pair: 1 week's pay or a gift + small gift from child. Nanny: 1 week's pay to 1 month's pay + small gift from child. Daycare providers: $25-$70/each + small gift from child. Child's school teacher: Gift from child. DELIVERY SERVICES U.S. Mail carrier: Gifts under $20 UPS: $15 if you get regular deliveries FedEx: gifts up to $25 if you get regular deliveries Newspaper Carrier: $10-$30 HOME/CAR CARE Trash/Recycling/Yardwaste Collectors: $10-$20 each for private service Housekeeper: 1 week's pay or more Parking Attendant: $10-$35 each or half a month's rate for the group if they provide extra service. Gardener: $20-$50 Pool Cleaner: cost of 1 cleaning APARTMENT SERVICE Doormen: $20-$100 Superintendent/Custodian: $30-$100 (closer to $100 if no doorman and few staff) Elevator Operators: $15-$40 each PERSONAL CARE Hairdresser: $20-$100 or cost of 1 cut if you go frequently + small gift Manicurist: $10-$50 or cost of one session + small gift Personal Trainer: $25, 1 week's pay or cost of 1 session Massage Therapist: $50-$100 or cost of 1 session Nurse, private: gift, not cash Nursing home employees: gift, not cash PET CARE Dog Groomer: Up to half the cost of 1 session + small gift Dog Walker: 1 session to 1 week's pay |
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| Tipping and Gratuity Suggestions |