Who Gets What?
Figuring out who to tip—and how much—can be frustrating. So we asked several etiquette experts for their advice and whittled the list of gift recipients down to these 10 service providers.
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Housekeeper: One Week's Pay
A week's pay is suitable for housekeepers, but if you're hiring a group of people from a maid service company, then give a small gift to each of them instead of cash.
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Mail Carrier: Gift
United States Post Office, FedEx and UPS workers aren't allowed to accept any cash (including gift cards), but they can accept gifts that are worth less than $20 like a box of chocolates or a mug.
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Building Staff: $50-$100
City folks living in an apartment buildings have more people to tip. Superintendents and doormen should not be forgotten; your tip will influence how well they treat you in the coming year.
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Nanny: One Week's Pay
A cash tip of one week's pay is standard for a nanny, but you can also throw in a small gift from the children.
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Newspaper Carrier: $20
Experts say a $20 tip for weekday delivery is best, but if you're only getting newspaper deliveries on the weekend, give half that amount.
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Teacher: Gift
Never give a cash tip to teachers; in the competitive school environment, it can look like a bribe for good grades. Instead, give a small gift worth about $25, or pool your money together with other parents and get something a little bigger.
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Dog Walker: One Week's Pay
A daily dog walker gets one week's pay, but if you're hiring a dog walker for a couple of hours a month, a tip that equals the amount of one session is fitting.
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Trash Collectors: $20 Each
Trash pickup is usually done by a group of people; give the same amount to all of them.
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Lawn Crew: $20 Each
If there's more than one person maintaining your lawn or keeping the snow off your driveway, give them each the same amount.
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Hair Stylist: Cost of One Session
For hair stylists and barbers, the cost of one session is the standard holiday tip. However, if you have a closer relationship with them, throw in a small personal gift.
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