Many of us enjoy our holidays, often spending time with family, eating festive meals and exchanging gifts. But the holiday season can also bring with it a great deal of confusion when it comes to customs around tipping. Whether you're attending a holiday gathering, have parties in your own home, or are dining out, you'll inevitably face questions about what is socially acceptable and expected when comes to tipping, and how much to tip.
In this article, you can learn everything you need to know about holiday tipping, from the appropriate etiquette to the amounts you should give in different situations. This comprehensive guide will provide answers to the most common questions regarding holiday tipping, helping you navigate the season with confidence.
Waitstaff in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments should generally be tipped generously during the holidays. Generally tipped 15-20% for regular service, during the holidays you may want to tip “more”. If your server has gone above and beyond in terms of customer service, you can leave an even larger tip. Usually, a tip of 25% or more is appropriate. However, this varies depending on the type of establishment. If you’re dining at an upscale restaurant, the 25% option is more likely to be appreciated.
Holiday tipping is also appropriate for delivery drivers, ranging from Uber Eats to traditional delivery services. Though the same general formula applies (around 15-20% of the total cost), holiday tipping for delivery is typically adjusted upwards. It may be acceptable to leave a flat fee for the driver, especially if the delivery isn’t too far away. A general rule of thumb is that $5-10 is an appropriate tip, although some drivers may expect slightly more if the order is more complex. This amount should be adjusted depending on both the distance of the delivery and the cost of the food.
When it comes to tipping at salons, there is definitely a holiday tipping custom. Whether you visit for a haircut or special treatment (such as nail art for the holidays), you should tip the professional at least 20%, or possibly more if the service went above and beyond. If you’re getting a salon treatment on a regular basis, consider giving a larger tip than usual for the holidays or adding a gift card to the service provider’s preferred shop or restaurant.
Tipping your barista during the holidays is akin to tipping any other type of service professional. A good rule of thumb is to leave a tip equal to the cost of your drink, or at least a couple of dollars. However, if your barista already receives tips during the day or provides exceptional service (such as taking the time to explain menu items or preparing intricate latte art), then you should consider increasing your tip. A holiday tip of at least a few dollars is the norm.
If you are using a professional house cleaning service, the amount you tip should be equivalent to a day’s worth of pay for the cleaner. This could be anywhere from $50-100, depending on the severity of the work being done. If the cleaning service is only coming in to do a one-time deep clean for the holidays, then consider increasing the total tip to up to two days’ pay ($100-200).
While you might not think of tipping a gardener, it is appropriate to do so during the holidays. The amount of the tip should correspond with the amount of work that the gardener is doing for you. For instance, if they’re making regular visits to prune and maintain your garden, a large tip can be appropriate. If it’s a one-time job, then a smaller tip can be more than enough. Generally, between $20-40 is a reasonable amount of money for a holiday tip.
Puppy walkers, those who regularly come to take care of your pet, can often be forgotten when it comes to the holiday season. Regardless, it’s still appropriate to tip a puppy walker over the holidays. Generally a $25-50 tip is appropriate, depending on the frequency of their visits and the complexity of the job. Additionally, holiday cards and other small gestures of appreciation for the pup walker can go a long way.
Holiday tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the people who provide services to make our lives easier. Depending on the service provider, the appropriate tip can vary from 15-20% of the cost of the service to a flat fee or a day’s worth of pay. For waitstaff, delivery drivers, salon professionals, baristas, housecleaners, gardeners, and puppy walkers, holiday tipping is an excellent way to show appreciation for their hard work. Additionally, small tokens such as gifts or holiday cards for those who provide services can go a long way in showing our gratitude. When done appropriately, holiday tipping can be a great way to spread cheer during the holidays.
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