The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it come the expected mountains of to-do lists, parties, and stress. But one part of the holidays that shouldn't cause you any distress is tipping service workers. Whether you're tipping restaurant staff, postal workers, or your friendly neighborhood barista, our practical guide can make navigating the holidays' tipping practices a breeze.
You want to show your appreciation for those who help make the busiest and brightest season of the year special, but you don’t want to strain your wallet in the process. Our guide covers the essentials of holiday tipping, as well as tips for avoiding overspending. From understanding the difference between service fees and gratuities to determining methods of tipping, get all the information you need to be a gracious tipper this holiday season.
As we move into the season of holiday togetherness, meals out often become a tempting way to connect with friends, family, and co-workers. When eating out, it’s typical practice to leave a small gratuity for the wait staff as a way of expressing appreciation for their hard work. With so many people dining out this holiday season, restaurant and bar staff will be especially busy.
Tipping for restaurant and bar staff can range between 10% and 18%, with 15% being the traditional standard. You should feel free to tip more or less, depending on the quality and friendliness of service provided. After tallying the bill, you can leave the tip in cash or add it to the credit card payment. A bigger tip during the holidays is an especially kind gesture, and will generally be appreciated by restaurant and bar staff.
While most holiday care packages are sentimental, you don’t have to be multiplying cookies in the kitchen to show postal workers appreciation. It’s appropriate to leave gifts or monies of appreciation for those who help ensure all our mail is delivered safely and promptly.
At the beginning of the month, leave a plate of cookies or a seasonal gift near your mailbox with a note of appreciation. For rural mail carriers, consider a cash bonus of $20 to $50. For post office employees, such as mail sorters and clerks, $20 or a holiday gift basket is usually an appropriate gesture. Talk to your mail carrier or drop an an anonymous note expressing thanks for their delivery this year.
Time-saving services, such as house cleaning and babysitting, become especially helpful during the holidays. A gift card or cash bonus is an excellent way to thank the people who make your life a little easier during this busy season.
House cleaners and Babysitters appreciate gifts that keep giving even after the holidays end. A holiday bonus ($50 to $100) and a gift card for a monthly service are thoughtful gestures. You can also show appreciation with a spa gift certificate, which helps these professionals relax after a busy season.
When shopping for holiday groceries, it’s helpful to remember the people who make sure the shelves are stocked and the checkout lines are efficient. Showing appreciation for their hard work is as simple as tipping the person who curates your store’s selection of festive foods.
Grocery store employees will typically accept a cash tip of up to $10, depending on the size of your order. For deli and produce staff, $10 and $5 tips respectively are standard and should make them smile. Consider rewarding the employees who help you bag and carry your groceries to the car; an amount of $2 to $5 will be appreciated.
As holiday parties and family get-togethers approach, many people search for a professional to get them dolled up. Hairdressers, barbers, and personal care professionals go the extra mile to make sure their clients look their best.
For all the services they provide, consider tipping between 15 to 25 percent for a job well done. To show appreciation for their extra effort (styling plus a blow dry, for example), you can increase the tip to between 20 and 30 percent. Gift certificates are also accepted and appreciated.
In conclusion, the holidays are a great time for individuals and families to express gratitude for people who help make their lives a bit easier. While cash is the most accepted and appreciated form of payment, gift certificates are also welcomed. From restaurant and bar staff to hairdressers, there are many appropriate ways to express your thanks this holiday season. Most importantly, taking the time to show gratitude will be remembered and appreciated by those who serve us all year long.
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