Why is giving the right tip such a moral dilemma? Year after year we are faced with the same problem, yet most of us have different solutions each time. Was this a good year for me? Was this a bad year for me? Do I like this person less? Do I like this person more? It's enough internal dialogue to make you think you were front row for your own Woody Allen movie. My mother was a fifth grade school teacher for her entire career. We had many laughs over the gifts Mom got from kids in her class (which is why I guess they stopped this tradition). Your Smart Money Moves has prepared a holiday tipping guide for you this holiday season:
- Postal Worker - They can't receive more than $20 anyways, so just stick to $20 cash. If you really want do them a favor, use the post office more than you do today as pretty soon you could see mail being delivered every other day.
- Housekeeper - Give ½ of the cost of one cleaning. If your housekeeper charges $200 per visit, then give them $100. There is nothing they want less than a gift card to Starbucks and some candy canes. Remember, they know your house inside and out, so no regifting here!
- Hairdresser - Give them the cost of one normal haircut. If you get your hair colored, etc., you don't have to give the entire value of your overall hair salon experience, just the cost of one haircut. If you go to a place like Super Cuts or Great Clips, make sure to give them at least one decent CD to play so the music isn't so bad next time you go (kidding…maybe).
- Newspaper Delivery - Give them $20. Same as a mail carrier especially if you get it delivered daily. Give $10 if it is a weekend only delivery. Maybe leave them a wet end of a mop as well so they understand what it's like to drive up to a soggy newspaper on the driveway.
- Trash Services - Sanitation engineer or garbage collectors have a really difficult job moving all kinds of stuff during the course of the year. If you want to make sure they take care of those difficult to move items you leave during the year then leave each worker a decent tip. $25 to $50 is a good idea. Taping it to the top of the trashcan is a bad idea by the way (trust me).
- Teacher - It's best to ascertain what the school recommends or if the class is going to do one large gift altogether. It shouldn't be more than $20 out of your pocket. Remember, they have to put up with your gremlins all year. (A LivingSocial or Groupon deal can go a long way here!)
- UPS/FedEx - They are discouraged from taking gifts, but I'm sure they wouldn't turn down something you give them especially when shorts season turns into pants and jacket season. Somewhere in the nature of $15 to $25 would be appropriate.
- Landscaper - The monthly bill you pay is tip enough for them. Services like these and your electrician, heating and air conditioning, and other home services might allow for you to give a small $10 to $20 gift if you see it in your heart. Otherwise, you generally don't need to tip these businesses as they charge you handsomely for their services.
- Office Staff - There is no requirement to provide a holiday bonus or tip for working within your company. Those days have come and gone and it's recommended your office works out some type of Secret Santa so you don't have to feel like you left someone out of the mix. We often do something just because we love our staff!
- Nann y- If you have a nanny, it's recommended to give 1 weeks pay as a holiday gift. It is your kids we're talking about . . . right? You certainly can make your call about what happens at your house when you are gone for the day. The same may be true for the people within the day care center. This one requires some thought!
Tipping often causes consternation. It's not like you can look over your friends shoulder and even if you did they wouldn't tell you the truth anyway. Do what comes from your heart and what your family can afford. Those who work hard for you all year will appreciate it because many people just won't give them anything.
