Dinner, getting gas, at the salon … saying thank you in the form of cash is rife with uncertainty. It's that age old question: Who do you tip and how much?
Fortunately, there are general rules for the Do's and Don'ts of leaving a tip.
For example, when you order out, tip 10 percent for delivery. At a restaurant, always tip the server between 15 percent and 20 percent on the pre-tax amount. If you are out for drinks with friends, make sure you bring cash for the bartender — usually $1 or $2 per drink is acceptable.
If there's a restroom attendant, even if you don't need or want their help handing you a towel, tip 50 cents to $3. A coat roam attendant should get $1 per coat and a valet should receive between $2 and $5.
At a hotel, leave between $2 and $5 per day with a note. Even just a simple "Thank you, housekeeping" goes a long way. For all salons and barbershops, 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill is the norm.
If you have a doorman, make sure to tip $1 to $4 for carrying any luggage and $1 or $2 if they hail a cab for you. And then tip 15 percent to 20 percent to your taxi driver.
Of course, it's always a good way to show your appreciation throughout the year by giving a little extra cash at the end of the year. The same goes for your everyday coffee shop barista or dry cleaners. (Check out the chart below from The Emily Post Institute for a selection of some often-tipped people.)
It's also acceptable not to tip when you're getting gas, using a handyman or plumber, or for furniture delivery. Postal Service regulations only permit carriers to accept small tokens worth $20 or less, and many schools, health-care providers and other companies prohibit cash tips.
Whatever you give, be sure to include a handwritten card thanking that provider for their service. And then make a note for yourself on who you tipped and how much. That way, you won't face the same anxiety next year.
Who to tip for the holidays
| Provider | Gift type | Suggested value |
|---|---|---|
| Regular babysitter | Cash | Up to one evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren). |
| Day care provider | Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren). | A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member who works with your child(ren) and a small gift from your child(ren). |
| Housekeeper | Cash and/or a gift | Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift. |
| Nursing home employees | A gift (not cash). Check company policy first. | A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items). |
| Barber | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one haircut or a gift. |
| Beauty salon staff | Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service. | Up to the cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you. |
| Personal trainer | Cash or gift | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. |
| Dog walker | Cash or gift | Up to one week’s pay or a gift. |
| Personal caregiver | Cash or gift | Up to one week to one month’s salary or a gift. |
| Newspaper delivery person | Cash or small gift | $10-30 or a small gift |
| Mail carrier | Small gift only | Per United States Postal Service rules, carriers can only accept small gifts worth $20 or less. |
| Superintendent | Cash or gift | $20-80 or a gift. |
| Doorman | Cash or gift | $15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift. |
| Handyman | Cash or gift | $15 to $40. |
| Trash/Recycling collectors | Cash or gift (for private). Check city regulations if it is a municipal service. | $10-30 each. |
| Yard/Garden worker | Cash or gift | $20-50 each. |
Source: SOURCE: The Emily Post Institute.