Christmas Holiday Tipping Etiquette

Christmas is a great time of year to remember those people who serve you regularly.  Since it only occurs once a year, holiday tipping can be a source of holiday stress, but it need not be so. I recommend a gift or a tasteful Christmas card with a tip inside. Delivery should occur in the month of December prior to Christmas day. Tip those who serve you all year long and with whom you have a personal relationship.

Maid - one week's pay. This is for maids in your employ whom you pay directly. If you use a service and never know who is coming out, don't tip at all.
Gardener - $20-50.
USPS Mail carrier - Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly.
UPS - Regular driver - $15.
FedEx - Not allowed to accept cash gifts, but a gift up to $25 in value is permissible.
Apartment building superintendent - $50-200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
Apartment Doorman/concierge - $10-80 or more each, depending upon building. The fewer doormen the building has, the more you tip each one. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
Apartment building handyman - $15-40 each.
Apartment building elevator operators - $15-40 each.
Shampoo - $10
Manicurist/pedicurist - $15 or more
Hairdresser/stylist - $15 or more
Massage therapist - $15 or more.
Newspaper carrier - Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10
Regular overnight delivery person - $10-30
Teacher - $25-100. Give a gift certificate to a bookstore or office supply store. If you know the teacher's hobbies or interests, then a gift certificate would be nice from the local movie theater, hobby shop, mall, fine restaurant or day spa. Some teachers might feel uncomfortable receiving gifts around grade time. If you are unsure, ask your principal first.
Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music teachers - A small gift from your child.
Garbage collector(s) - $15-30 each. Nowadays, most garbage collectors are really truck drivers. The truck has an arm that does all the work. If this is your situation, there is no need to tip.
Baby sitter - One night's pay, plus a small gift from your child.
Full-time nanny - One week's to one month's pay based on tenure, plus a small gift from your child.
Day care service - $25-70, plus a small gift from your child.
Parking attendants - $10-20 each
Personal trainer - $60-100 upon reaching goal.
Dog groomer - 1/4 - 1/2 cost of a session.
Dog walker or sitter - 1-2 week's pay.

by James G. Lewis

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.