The Christmas season is the time for us to show our appreciation to people around us.  While we are busy seeking for the best gift for our friends and relatives, we should not forget to show our gratitude to the people who are important to our lives at many levels.  From babysitters to hairstylists, we've organized the rules of proper Holiday gift giving etiquette to ensure jolly spirits all around.  What is your holiday thanking list?  Share your thoughts with us. . . 

 


Rules of thumb:

 

  • Cash is King (in most cases) – avoid using check unless necessary.  If you have the time, make a trip to the bank and get some fresh crisp bills
  • Hand-written Card - Whether you are giving cash or gift card , always put it in an envelope and add a handwritten card.  The same applies to gifts too.
  • Check First - Some workers (such as USPS mail carrier or delivery person) have to observe laws or company policy on gift they are allowed to accept, please check for it before you give any cash or gift.

 

 

Part-time Babysitter

Gift card in the value of one or two nights pay

You can also add a special homemade gift from your child, like a drawing or craft project.

 

Full Time Nanny

One week to one month's pay, plus a personal gift

 

Day Care Staff

$20-$70 per staff, plus a small gift from your child

If only one person takes care of your child, you should give more, but if the job is evenly shared by a group of staff members, you can share the tips evenly among them.

 

Coaches, Tutors, Music teachers, Ballet instructors, etc.

A small gift from the child less than $25 in value

Try something personal from your child, like a personalized framed photo or a drawing of the entire team.  If you don’t want to give a gift, consider a simple handwritten thank-you note from your child.

 

School Teacher

Gift card, gift card, gift card!!!  About $25 - $100 value

Usually the class will all chip in for one big gift for the classroom’s teacher, but you can always add a small gift, like a house plant, with a personal card from your child.  If your child’s class has one teacher all day, you should give gift to one person only.  Gift giving can be more complicated if your child has many teachers, like computer, librarian, music teacher etc.  Check the school’s policy and suggestions on how to give gifts to the rest of the staff.

 

Garbage Collector

$15 - $30 cash

Hint: Pay attention to who collects your trash. If your garbage man is really a truck driver who operates a mechanical arm that does all the work, there is no need to tip.

 

Gardener or Lawn Servicemen

$20 - $50 cash

This only applies if the same team of people comes to your service every week

 

Hairstylist

Cost of one haircut

If you visit the salon regularly, it is best to tip the assistants who wash and blow-dry your hair.

 

Housekeeper

Up to one week's pay

 

Newspaper Carrier

$15-$30 for daily delivery; $5-$15 for weekend delivery

Usually they'll leave an envelope at your door. If they don't, ask the company to add a tip to your bill.

 

Postal Mail Carrier and Package Delivery  (UPS/FedEx)

Non-cash gifts with value up to $20

By law, US Postal Service staff cannot accept tips or gifts. If you want to show your appreciation, give a small gift or gift card instead.  As for package delivery men, each delivery company has their own rules: FedEx doesn't allow cash or gifts worth more than $75, but UPS doesn't have a policy, so check with the company first.