The holiday season is a time for generosity and celebration. Making sure that the people who serve you are treated with the same kindness and respect that you share with family and friends is part of the joy during this special time. Showing your appreciation for service staff, however, may require a little extra effort. Here, our experts provide tips and tricks to make sure that your holiday servers are properly rewarded for their work.
The holidays can be a busy season for the people who wait on us in restaurants, hotels, salons, and more. In addition to providing excellent customer service all year long, they often have double and triple shifts to cater to the high demand. Show your appreciation for their hard work by taking a few minutes to learn the most appropriate methods to tipping during the holidays. Our experts have outlined ways to show your gratitude that range from appropriate amounts and special gifts to simple gestures of thanks.
This article will help you spread cheer and gratitude during the coming months. Read on to explore ways to properly tip during the holidays and discover clever ways to show that you care.
When it comes to tipping restaurant servers, the standard amount is 15-20% for regular service, and 22-25% for exceptional service. Around the holiday season, it may be appropriate to bump this tip up the extra 5%. On top of a nice tip, you can even give a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a plant, if you really want to show your appreciation.
When it comes to tipping hotel staff, from the bellhop to the cleaning service, the convention is to tip $1-2 per person, for each task or service they provide. Similar to with restaurant servers, you can also purchase a small gift, such as a gift card, as a way of showing your appreciation for the staff’s hard work.
Tipping salon professionals, such as a hairstylist or a massage therapist, is a great way to show your gratitude. The standard tip for salon professionals is 15-25%, depending on the service provided. It is always appreciated if you can round up to the nearest tip amount, or you may also give a small gift basket or certificate that can be enjoyed.
Tipping valets is not something that many people think of when tipping. However, a valet attendant is still providing a great service, and should be appreciated. The generally accepted tip for valet attendants is $2-5, however, more can be given if desired. You can also give a small token of appreciation, such as a treat from the holiday party you attended.
When tipping a taxi driver, the standard amount is 10-15%, depending on the service provided. If the driver was able to navigate heavy traffic safely, you may want to increase this tip, especially during the holidays. Other items, such as a hat or scarf, make great recognition for taxi drivers that are on the roads all year long.
For those who use the services of a home maintenance professional, such as a plumber, electrician, or landscaper, a tip is not always expected. However, if the service has been particularly good, a small, thoughtful tip is always appreciated. If you are hosting a holiday party, consider providing the professional with a small gift basket or food platter to show your thanks.
Delivery drivers provide a great service and should also be considered when tipping during the holiday season. Although tips for delivery drivers are not generally required, it is a nice gesture to leave a small tip if you can. A few dollars or a gift is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude for the driver’s hard work while bringing you food during the holidays.
In summary, when it comes to tipping those who provide us services throughout the year, the holidays provide a great opportunity to recognize and thank them for the help they have provided. Depending on the service that was provided, the generally accepted amounts for tips range from 10-25%, and a small gift or token of appreciation is also appreciated. However, there should never be a requirement for tipping, and those who cannot afford to provide a tip during the holidays should not feel guilty for not doing so.