Tipping Etiquette for the Holidays.

It’s the holidays again and it is time to think of all the people we love and care for and it is also the time to remember those people that have made our lives easier by providing us with routine services.

I prefer to thank my service providers that have served me well all year by giving them a tip. If the person providing the service is the owner of the business then the best thank you is providing them with a referral or giving them a glowing review in writing.

Here is a guide that I use for holiday tipping from www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php . Remember tipping is optional and is a reward for great service.

Maid -

One week's pay. This is for maids you employ directly. If you use a service and never know who is coming out, don't tip at all.

Gardener/ Landscaper -

$20-$50

USPS Mail carrier -

Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. Read more at http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php

UPS - Regular driver -

$15

FedEx -

Not allowed to accept cash gifts but a gift up to $25 invalue is permissible.

Shampoo -

$10

Manicurist/pedicurist -

$15 or more

Hairdresser/stylist -

$15 or more

Massage therapist -

$15 or more. Read more about tipping massage therapists at www.frappydoo.com.

Newspaper carrier -

Daily -$25-$50 and Weekend - $10

Teacher -

$25- $100

Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music teachers -

A small gift from your child.

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.

Au pair -

One week's pay 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.

Country Club Employess -

I believe in tipping at Christmas regardless of the club's tipping policy. I recommend a minimum of $50 for your waiters, locker-room personnel, front-desk employees, and golf professionals. For head waiters or special service, make it $100.

Dog groomer -

1/4 - 1/2 cost of a session.

Dog walker or sitter -

1-2 week's pay

In addition to the tip it is a great idea to include a handwritten note in the envelope.