Holiday Central

Holiday tipping: A stress-free guide to giving

Don't skip the tip this holiday season

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It's known as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for some, gifting and tipping can be a major source of confusion and stress during the holidays.

Experts say the first step is to stop looking at tipping as an obligation but rather a desire to thank someone. Monetarily, experts say, consumers shouldn't feel compelled to break the bank.

"It doesn't have to be anything big. It should be something thoughtful," said etiquette expert and owner of the Protocol School of Texas, Diane Gottsman. "Everybody has a different budget, but when you're giving from the heart, you're not looking for something equal in return."

While consumer sentiment rose in November and the better-than-expected October U.S. jobs report could indicate an upswing in holiday generosity, the stress attached to holiday gifting and tipping might not necessarily decrease.

While people are generally more generous when they have a bit more to spend, stick to your budget, not a suggested list of recipients. Carefully budgeting and narrowing down exactly whom you will be tipping or gifting during the holiday season, will keep you on track, Gottsman said.

Still afraid to make a holiday gifting faux pas? CNBC has you covered. Click ahead to see the full list of whom to tip and how much.

By CNBC's Ritika Shah and Kristine Mamanta
Posted 24 Nov. 2015

Babysitter or nanny

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Suggested tip: One week's pay

Full-time babysitters, au pairs, or live-in nannies should get one week of pay. An au pair or nanny works closely with your family so you could also consider including a small gift from your child.

For day care providers, a gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member who works with your children or a small gift from your children is appropriate.

Babysitters you use less frequently should receive a tip equivalent up to one evening's pay or a gift card.

Barber or hair stylist

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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.

Apartment building staff

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Suggested tip: $20 to $100

According to Gottsman, tipping apartment staff depends on how much you have used them during the year.

Those who reside in large cities tend to spend more than suburbanites, with doormen and handymen receiving $50 to $100 and elevator operators getting in the range of $20 to $50. However, if there are multiple doormen paying $15 or more each is appropriate, said Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute.

For your landlord or building manager, Gottsman recommends tipping $50 or more, depending on their level of support throughout the year.

Dog walker or pet sitter

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Suggested tip: One week's pay

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

If you visit a pet sitter at a kennel regularly, you can thank them with a $10 to $20 gift card. Again, experts stress the importance of checking the business' policy before giving a monetary tip.

Extracurricular instructors

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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 speak a more sentimental thanks than a cash tip, Whitmore said.

Landscaper

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Suggested tip: Cost of one visit

A landscaper should receive a tip equal to the cost of one visit. If there is a team, consider giving $10 to $50 each depending on the service and relationship.

Housekeeper

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Suggested tip: One week's pay

Offer the equivalent of one day, week or up to one month's pay depending on the frequency and scope of the housekeeper's service. Add a personal gift if the housekeeper has worked with your family for years.

Mail carrier

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Suggested tip: Gift only

U.S. Post Office workers are not allowed to accept cash, gift cards, checks or any other form of currency as a tip. Instead, consider a small gift or home-baked treat worth less than $20.

Other delivery services such as Fedex may have similar restrictions.

Manicurist

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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. If you don't have a specific manicurist, divide the cost of one visit among each staff member who worked with you. This could be in the form of individual cards or a small gift.

Massage therapist

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Suggested tip: Cost of one session

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

Newspaper carrier

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Suggested Tip: $10 to $30

Early morning carriers who deliver daily should receive between $20 and $30. Weekend newspaper deliverers should receive $10 or a small gift.

Nurses or private caregiver

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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 everyone can share and does not favor only one attendant, such as a food basket.

Personal trainer

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Suggested Tip: Cost of one session

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

If you've had a shorter relationship with the trainer, tip as much as the cost of one session or give a gift.

Teacher

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Suggested Tip: Gift/gift cards

Experts say to skip monetary gifts, as it may look like you're bribing the teacher for better treatment. Instead, give a gift card to a coffee shop, book shop, restaurant or retail store for around $20. You can also get together with other parents and give a larger class gift. Accompany the gift with a handwritten note from your child.

For the school principal, a handwritten holiday card, a gift card to a coffee shop or a tray of cookies for the school office would suffice.

Trash collectors

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Suggested Tip: $10 to $30 each

Experts say to check local regulations for what public service employees can accept in terms of holiday gifts. Depending on how many trash collectors stop by, you can tip each one anything between $10 and $30. If you're living in an apartment building, the management will usually take care of it.