Planning for the holidays can be hectic and time consuming. While the holiday season expresses a spirit of giving, holiday tipping may be difficult to manage in terms of who should be tipped and how much should be given.

Over the past few years, consumers have set a tight budget on holiday tipping due to the nation's frail economy. However, with a five-year high on consumer sentiment, recent labor reports, and a rise in contributions to 401(k)'s and rising house prices, a number of indicators show that the economy is steadily improving.

As the nation gains a new sliver of hope in the economy, consumers are likely to be moved to spend more this year on holiday tipping.

"People are more generous this year because when the economy gets better, people do better and tend to be happier around the holiday time," said Jacqueline Whitmore, leading international etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach.

"We're probably going to see more people getting tips this year," she said. "It may not be the same amount in years past, but there will be more of it."

Here are a few guidelines on easy, efficient, and affordable ways to holiday tip. Click Ahead to see the full list of whom to tip and how much.

By Kristine Mamanta, Special to CNBC.com
Posted 13 Nov 2012

Suggested Tip: One Week's Pay

Full-time babysitters should get one week of pay. Babysitters you use less frequently should receive a tip equivalent to the amount of time you use them per week. You can also include a small gift from your child.

Suggested Tip: One Visit's Pay

If you frequently visit your barber or hairstylist, tip the equivalent of one service, or an amount that you can comfortably afford.

Suggested Tip: $20 to $100

Tipping depends on you much you have used them during the year. Those who reside in large cities tend to spend more than suburbanites. Doormen and handymen should get $50 to $100. Elevator operators should get in the range of $20 to $50.

Suggested Tip: One Week Pay

Daily dog walkers should be tipped one week's service and/or an inexpensive gift. If the service is less regular, tip the equivalent of one visit.

Suggested Tip: Gift

If you hire an extracurricular instructor, such as a private tutor, musical teacher, sport coach, or dance instructor, it is important to put some creative thought into their gifts.

For example, for a dance instructor, search for their favorite music or a coffee table book about dance, said Jacqueline Whitmore, a leading international etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. For a piano teacher, unique gifts like bookmarks made from ivory piano keys speak a more sentimental thanks than a cash tip, Whitmore said.

Suggested Tip: Cost of One Visit

A landscaper should get the cost of one visit. If there is a team, consider giving $10 to $20 each depending on the service and relationship.

Suggested Tip: One Week's Pay

Offer the equivalent of one week's pay, plus a gift if the housekeeper has worked with your family for years.

Suggested Tip: Gift

United States Post Office and Fedex workers are not allowed to accept cash. Consider a small gift, gift card, or home-baked treat worth less than $20.

Suggested Tip: Cost of One Session

If you regularly visit the same manicurist, give them a cash tip equal to the amount of one session.

Suggested Tip: Cost of One Session

The tip depends on how often you visit the same professional. Tip them the amount of one visit.

Suggested Tip: $10 to $25

Early morning carriers who deliver daily should receive a $25 tip. Weekend newspaper deliverers should receive $10 or a small gift.

Suggested Tip: Gift or One Week's Pay

Some private home nurses may not be able to accept cash due to agency policies. If they are allowed to receive monetary gifts, give one week's pay. For those who cannot accept cash, give a gift or a gift card worth as much as $50. In a group setting, you may also consider a gift that every can share and does not favor only one attendant, such as a food basket.

Suggested Tip: Cost of One Session

If you have worked with a personal trainer for at least six months, the tip can range from one session to one week of service.

Suggested Tip: $10 to $20

If you visit the kennel regularly, find your favorite pet sitter and give them a gift card. Pet concierges who perform extraordinary services should receive a $10 to $20 tip.

However, check first before giving a monetary tip. Some businesses have restrictions on tipping. Other businesses require tips be split among the staff rather than an individual receiving a tip on their own.

Suggested Tip: Gift/Gift Cards

Check with your child's school to see if they have a gift-giving policy. Experts say to skip monetary gifts, as it may look like you're bribing the teacher for better treatment.

Instead, give a coffee or book shop gift card for around $20. You can also get together with other parents and give one for a larger amount. Accompany the gift with a handwritten note from your child.

Suggested Tip: $10 to $20 each

Depending on how many trash collectors stop by, you can tip each one anything between $10 and $20. If you're living in an apartment building, the management will usually take care of it.

Different rules may apply for public service workers so check first to be safe.