Skip to main content

Holiday Tipping Interviews on the Today Show & KCRA Interviews

Holiday Tipping 

All tipping is optional and subjective, yet in certain parts of the United States, tipping is almost mandatory. Take New York for example.  Not tipping a building super might lead to slow response times just when you need that leak fixed now.  Here on the West Coast, we are a bit more relaxed.  What follows is merely a guideline.   

Note: Before tipping to those working for an agency or organization, however, check their gift-giving policy.  And, make a list of those you wish to tip and consider your budget. 

Those Who Provide us a Service Regularly

One session’s fee is usually appropriate. If you pay $20 a week to your gardener, an appropriate tip would be $20.   For those whom you see more often or give great service, such as a hairstylist, feel free to tip more.   

  • Gardener
  • Hairstylist/manicurist/barber
  • Babysitter (after work)
  • Pool cleaner
  • Pet groomer
  • House cleaners (if it is a group, the tip could be a big box of candy or something to share)  

Employees in the Home

These special people typically receive one to two weeks’ extra pay depending on how long they have worked for you and how many days a week they work.  

  • Caretakers
  • Nannies

Doorman or Building Supervisor

This person is in a class by herself.  She/he provides a very special service and your comfort is in her hands.  Ask some of the other residents what they give and perhaps all could give a joint gift so there is no competition or comparison.  Could be anywhere from $30 to $200. 

Newspaper Delivery Person 

  • Could be $10-$20 depending on the service you receive.  

Note: Tips do not have to be cash.  Gift certificates to a restaurant or theater tickets are wonderful gifts.  Be perceptive and thoughtful when giving a tip or gift in lieu of a cash tip. Notice the person’s preferences.  

If you choose to give cash, present crisp bills in a card. 

Please Read

Anti-Clueless Etiquette: Tipping Guideline

Importance of Thank You Notes

Etiquette for Cruise Ship Destination Weddings 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Etiquette 101: How-to Host an Adult Birthday Party That Will Please Your Guests

  Birthday Party Etiquette Hosting an adult birthday party can be tricky since many don't realize it isn't a gift-giving event.  If gifts are expected, the birthday baby could appear greedy.  Imagine an adult birthday party resembling a child's party focusing on gifts--very silly, indeed.  On the positive side, because gifts are not the focus, it opens up the possibility of hosting our own.  This is a plus for those of us who view our friends as the best birthday present.   Now we can have our cake and eat it too! To assist us with hosting a party that will be viewed as positive and polite, here's a bit of birthday party etiquette Q & A. Dear Polite One, I invited 30 people (15 couples) to a birthday party I'm hosting for a 45-year-old male.  I designed the invitations to look like a ticket stub, which includes a door prize stub.  My question is this: What are appropriate door prizes? What should be the minimum and maximum cost of a door prize? How man
Post a Comment
Read more

Is Using a Coupon on a Date Appropriate? First Date?

  Good Idea Or Not?    With the state of the economy, coupon clipping is becoming a national sport.  It seems a natural evolution due to our need to purchase items we want at the lowest price point possible.   This need is evident by the rapid popularity of coupons-for-everything websites like  Groupon .  Since coupon usage seems commonplace, using a coupon to pay for dinner appears a smart move.  However, it just may not be such a great idea when it applies to  the date .    Frankly, using a coupon while on a date is not an etiquette faux pas.  Logically, a coupon or gift certificate is as good as cash.  Nevertheless, as we all know, perception is everything.  Moreover, on a first date, and even the first few dates, both parties are sizing each other up.  Who is this person? What are his/her quirks?  Do I even like his/her appearance?   With all of this evaluating humming in the background, it is best to consider the perception of how everything we do. It may be best to get to
Post a Comment
Read more

Etiquette 101: Top Three Gum Chewing No-No’s

Smacking, Popping, Nauseating Behavior …Oh My! Gum chewing has been around for decades and for the most part, it’s inoffensive.   However, there are those times when gum chewing, especially smacking, is frowned upon.   Sometimes – strangely enough – it can even affect our future and how others view us.    Read on to learn how.   Not at a wedding! The wedding march begins as the bride walks the procession.   Ah, the lovely bride in her flowing gown smiling at her soon-to-be spouse.    All in the crowd stand as she floats down the aisle.   At once, her expression changes, she stops, as her guests’ heads turn toward alien sounds coming from the front row.    Smack, pop…yep, it’s the sounds of the ill-mannered gum chewer.    Unfortunately, this scene is playing out every day somewhere in our lovely US of A.    Why is this of importance?   The simple answer is that the gum chewer’s smacking and popping distract from the very reason guests are attending the event.   It is disrespect
Post a Comment
Read more