Who Should You Tip for the Holidays?

The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts must be worth less than $20, and you can't give your mail carrier more than $50 worth of gifts in one calendar year. You can give them a gift card (as long as it cannot be redeemed for cash). You could also throw in a glowin... Read more ˅

The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts must be worth less than $20, and you can't give your mail carrier more than $50 worth of gifts in one calendar year. You can give them a gift card (as long as it cannot be redeemed for cash). 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, director of the Emily Post Institute.

As someone who works closely with you and your child, your child-care provider should be at the top of your tip list. Each daycare employee who works with your child might deserve $25 to $70, plus a small gift from the little one, such as a drawing or picture. For a be... Read more ˅

As someone who works closely with you and your child, your child-care provider should be at the top of your tip list. Each daycare employee who works with your child might deserve $25 to $70, plus a small gift from the little one, such as a drawing or picture.

For a beloved nanny, consider giving up to a week's pay along with a special gift from your child. A weekend babysitter may deserve one or two nights' pay. If someone has worked with you for several years or has provided outstanding service, you may bump up the amount.

If you have multiple salon staff members who work on your do (if, say, one person shampoos and another person cuts), the Emily Post Institute says to divide the cost of one visit between them proportionately. And consider including a small gift for a stylist who doubles as a confidant. ... Read more ˅

If you have multiple salon staff members who work on your do (if, say, one person shampoos and another person cuts), the Emily Post Institute says to divide the cost of one visit between them proportionately. And consider including a small gift for a stylist who doubles as a confidant.

If you don't regularly visit your salon or barbershop throughout the year, you may prefer to give about $20 as a tip during your December visit. And if you tip regularly throughout the year, it's okay to forgo the year-end tip, says Mary M. Mitchell, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Etiquette. But, in that case, she says, "By all means give a small token of gratitude, perhaps chocolates or a nice bottle of wine." And a handwritten note of appreciation is always in order.

If you bring your pet to the same person year-round for grooming, half the cost of a session is appropriate. Or a personal gift may suffice. For a dog walker, you might consider tipping one day's pay, unless he or she walks your dog five days a week or more, says Jodi R... Read more ˅

If you bring your pet to the same person year-round for grooming, half the cost of a session is appropriate. Or a personal gift may suffice.

For a dog walker, you might consider tipping one day's pay, unless he or she walks your dog five days a week or more, says Jodi R. R. Smith, president of etiquette consultant Mannersmith. In that case, give up to a week's pay or a small gift. Or you can substitute a gift for a cash tip, according to the Emily Post Institute.

Don't pass cash to your lawyer, doctor or accountant — tips are generally for people in certain areas of the service industry, such as hospitality. If you feel compelled to thank them, a gift (such as home-baked goods, a bottle of wine or chocolates) is okay.

A tip is a nice way to reward anyone who helps you in your apartment or condo building. But check your building association's policy before tipping any of its workers. If you're free to tip as you please, a doorman, as well as a superintendent, should get about $25 to $100 each (... Read more ˅

A tip is a nice way to reward anyone who helps you in your apartment or condo building. But check your building association's policy before tipping any of its workers. If you're free to tip as you please, a doorman, as well as a superintendent, should get about $25 to $100 each (higher tips are for those who help you the most or provide exceptional service yearlong). For a handyman who makes repairs regularly, consider giving $15 to $40; a custodian may deserve $20 to $50.

This amount is considered fitting if he or she visits weekly or biweekly, says Rosanne Thomas, president of Protocol Advisors, an etiquette consulting firm. Increase the amount for someone who works more often or has been providing you service for several years. Likewise, you could cut it for som... Read more ˅

This amount is considered fitting if he or she visits weekly or biweekly, says Rosanne Thomas, president of Protocol Advisors, an etiquette consulting firm. Increase the amount for someone who works more often or has been providing you service for several years. Likewise, you could cut it for someone you tip throughout the year or whose services haven't been outstanding.

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. Just be sure to first check the policies of your child's school... Read more ˅

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. Just be sure to first check the policies of your child's school: If gifts are forbidden, a note of appreciation is always appropriate.

After sweating it out with your trainer all year long, you might find you've become quite close with him. Charlotte Ford, author of 21st-Century Etiquette, suggests this generous tip especially if you have an ongoing relationship with the professional and believe you have received above-av... Read more ˅

After sweating it out with your trainer all year long, you might find you've become quite close with him. Charlotte Ford, author of 21st-Century Etiquette, suggests this generous tip especially if you have an ongoing relationship with the professional and believe you have received above-average service. Besides, you might need him to give your sessions a bit of a boost after you've gobbled up some of those holiday feasts and treats.

You can hand them the envelope directly when they make their rounds during holiday season. But first check the rules for your municipality. Some jurisdictions forbid workers from accepting cash, according to the Emily Post Institute.