The spirit of the holiday season is the perfect time to share our generosity and cultivate gratitude. Whether it’s tipping your barista for their morning coffee or leaving a little something for your house cleaner, the custom of tipping during the holidays acknowledges the hardworking individuals who contribute to our daily lives.
The idea of holiday tipping can sometimes feel overwhelming though. This article will offer tips on proper holiday etiquette while giving insight on how to spread the holiday joy. You’ll learn how to properly tip according to industry standard, how to customize gratuity when you want to go the extra mile, and even how to show your appreciation in alternative ways.
Tipping bartenders the holidays is a great way to express gratitude while getting into the festive spirit. It is customary to tip 20% of the total bill, however some establishments increase their tip amount to 25%. For example, if your total bill after food and drinks is $50, your gratuity should be at least $10-15. During the holiday season, consider adding an extra $2-3 if the service was above and beyond. A little something extra goes a long way during the holiday season!
For waiters and waitresses, 15% is an acceptable standard. However, this gratuity can increase to 18-20% for above-par service. During the holidays, feel free to bump up the tip to show extra appreciation. And if you have a favorite server, a gift card or a special holiday tip goes a long way in showing your gratitude.
For baristas, the standard tip during the holidays is usually $1. But if you want to show extra appreciation, bump it up a few dollars, or buy them a festive coffee mug. Baked goods, a homemade gift, or simply an extra smile are other great ways to show your holiday spirit.
For house cleaners who come to your home, $20-50 depending on the size of the job is customary. If you can't afford a huge tip, then feel free to include a heartfelt note or a small gift card as an alternative. Plus, the holiday season is the perfect time to express your gratitude with a bunch of fresh flowers!
Every other service provider deserves a tip, like your hairdresser for a great cut, your dog walker for the Monday morning walk, or your favorite deli-guy for the best pastrami sandwich in town. For personal services, $20-50 is the standard tip. Get them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, or a jar of homemade holiday cookies for the extra touch.
No matter the type of service provider, the holidays are a great time to show your appreciation. A gratuity or a gift of some kind, however small, will make their day and get into the spirit of the season. The holidays are a time of giving, and members of the service industry put in tireless work to serve us, so returning the favor will make their day special. A gift of kindness in any form - from a tip to a bouquet of flowers - will bring them extra joy during the holidays!