Your Guide to Holiday Bonus Season
Feeling overwhelmed by holiday tipping? Unsure who to tip or how much to give? You're not alone! Navigating the etiquette of showing gratitude during the holidays can be stressful and confusing. But don't worry—it's time to approach your holiday tipping and gifting with confidence and generosity. Let's make this year's holiday season a breeze!
Episode Takeaways
Learn how to budget wisely for holiday tipping and maximize your gratitude.
Explore smart strategies for showing appreciation when funds are limited.
Master the art of holiday tipping for 2024, and impress others with your thoughtfulness.
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Your Guide to Holiday Tipping
The TL;DR Version
We encourage you to include tips in your overall gift-giving budget. It’s important to be honest and transparent if financial constraints prevent you from giving the recommended amounts. There are other ways to show appreciation beyond monetary tips that are just as thoughtful and budget-friendly.
Make sure you understand individual preferences and limitations when giving holiday tips. Consider pooling resources for group gifts and organizing social gatherings to thank service providers.
Reframing tipping as a gesture of gratitude rather than an obligation can help you lead with thoughtfulness this season.
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Holiday tipping. Who to tip, how much to give them… it’s a thing.
I know the basics, right? Always tip your server at a restaurant, tip your hairdresser, etc. Generally, I tip the people who do things for me that I can’t do for myself... like Dwight Schrute.
But there are rules about tipping that I didn’t know. In fact, I didn’t even know that you’re supposed to tip hotel staff who clean your room. (Did you know that?)
So today, we’re giving you some guidelines around tipping, including how to say ‘thank you’ another way if tipping just isn’t in your budget for everyone this year (understandable AF).
tipping isn’t obligatory
That word “should”? Don’t use it here.
A holiday tip is a token of gratitude for the people who helped you this year. It’s not tit-for-tat.
And there’s some stigma around the word “tipping” too–so maybe call it a bonus instead!
Set a budget
Include tips in your overall holiday gift-giving budget, and set aside the money that you plan to give. If you just can’t give the recommended amounts (which we’ll get to in a minute), we have a plan for that.
Make a list
Who helps you during the year?
Nanny/babysitter
Dog walker/pet sitter
Housecleaner, doorman, maintenance workers
Personal trainer, hairstylist
I don’t know about you, but for me, this list is long AF.
Prioritize by
How regularly you use their services
How long you’ve known them
Biggest life-changers
When to tip
Like… now?
Don’t wait until Christmas Eve. This money likely goes to Christmas gifts.
Tipping Amount Guidelines
Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, suggests the “up to” rule (which I love!). It’s a guideline for tipping! Here’s how it works:
Look at “up to a week’s pay” or “up to one session’s pay.” This is your guiding amount for your peeps. Use your discretion for the relationship you have with this person to go up or down accordingly.
Add a card if you’re planning to hand out cash or a check. It’s festive and makes it less awkward. You can TOTALLY tip with an app, just include a personalized message when you send!
Recommended Amounts
Here are some common bonus recipients and about how much to give:
Babysitter/nanny = 1 typical session/1 week’s pay
Daycare staffer (oops, didn’t know this was a tip, but I did always give a nice gift!) = $25-75, depending on how many hours your child is with them
Hairstylist = cost of 1 service
In-home caregiver = 1 week’s pay
Housecleaner = 1 visit
Landscaper (I ain’t got wonna deez) = 1 session
Pool cleaners = 1 session, divided amongst themselves
Massage therapist = 1 session
Manicurist/pedicurist/esthetician you see regularly = 1 session
Newspaper delivery person = $10-30
Personal trainer (deez either) = 1 session
Pet sitter/dog walker/groomer = 1 session
Sanitation workers = $10-30 each
Do you live in an apartment? There are some other folks to consider… (also, renters tend to give less than owners)
Super/resident manager = $150-300
Door attendant/concierge = $75-200
Porter, handyman/maintenance staff = $25-50
Garage attendant = $25-75
Note that many of these are expenses that many people don’t opt in to. What I mean is, if I can’t afford to tip my server, I’m not going out to eat at a restaurant (and you shouldn’t be either). But an in-home caregiver? Daycare worker? Your apartment super? These aren’t those types of expenses, you know?
Other Ways to Say Thanks
Now, that said, that’s a huge list, though it isn’t exhaustive, and there are definitely some people that you might not be able to thank with money, and that’s OKAY!
Don't forget that there are some people who can’t accept cash gifts (or can’t over a certain amount) or gift cards. Postal workers can’t accept anything more than $20/calendar year (I saw $50 in another article), and delivery drivers are often discouraged from taking them.
Check with other agencies (like those providing in-home care) about cash tips and bonuses.
Here are some alternatives to cash… warm, soft cash…
Cards with heartfelt messages and/or artwork from your kids
Baked treats (I recommend prepackaged ones. Some people won't eat homemade stuff!)
Leave out snacks and beverages for delivery drivers and postal workers
Work socks (comfy ones for inside workboots, etc.)
You can also pool your funds with others! This is a great option for
Class gifts for teachers
Collections for apartment building workers or office maintenance staff
When Cash Tips Aren't In Your Budget
Look, we get it. Inflation is still a problem and you might not be able to do anything.
Chances are, the person you planned to tip gets it too. And, they’re not gonna hold it against you! I’m sure they’d rather you keep paying for the service (you know, supporting them regularly) than be stressed about an optional holiday bonus.
At the very least, write a heartfelt note. It’s okay to say something like
Thank you so much for your hard work all year. This year, things are tight and I find myself unable to provide cash tips/bonuses, but this isn’t a reflection on you or your support. I truly appreciate you and wish I could do more to say thank you. Wishing you and all of yours a wonderful holiday season!
No Matter What…
Don’t feel anxious about the amount you tip. Your anxiety is probably like “you aren’t giving enough” but that’s just not true! Tipping isn’t a contest. People just appreciate that you did anything to show them that you value their work.
Do what you can. It’s enough.
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Make good choices,
Caitlin (& Jenny)
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Caitlin K, known for her brilliantly flustered and always entertaining persona, expertly navigates holiday tipping etiquette. She brings humor and practical advice to the art of showing gratitude, offering insights on who to tip, how much to give, and budget-friendly appreciation. Caitlin's warm approach makes her the ideal guide for understanding holiday tipping in 2024, leaving you confident and prepared.
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