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

Comments

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

New year, new abode? You’re registering? Really?

Celebrating the new year with a new home? If so, you may be considering a housewarming party to break the new place in. Often homeowner hosts this commonplace party for close friends, family, and—perhaps—a few new neighbors. The premise is that you are "warming your home with love." Not stuff from others. While gifts are common, they are typically small token gifts , such as candles, picture frames, wine, plants, or a coffee table book. However, gifts should never be expected and never the focus. No gift table. It’s not polite. There seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding this simple tradition. In fact, some are confusing this party with a bridal shower, even calling it a "housewarming shower." Regrettably, some homeowners register and expect expensive gifts from their guests. Frankly, there is no such thing as a housewarming shower. A housewarming shower has never been a thing . Embarrassingly, when homeowners act on this confusi

Etiquette 101: How-to Tone Down Gift Expectations and Why

Exploring the Gift Mania Craze How and when did this happen? It seems that suddenly, the masses consider most any occasion a gift-giving situation. Taking it a greedy step further, the gift-crazed often create personalized gift-giving events. Even worse, these gift-miners inform their dollar-poor guests what gifts they prefer. To that, I must say, “Yikes!” Some etiquette rules evolved due to this phenomenon. Whereas in the past, it was inappropriate to mention ‘no gifts please’ in birthday, graduation, vow renewal, and anniversary party invitations, now we can. It was inevitable. After all, when so many feel entitled to a gift, we need a little guidance. Let us try to remember the basics. Gifts should be given from the heart and because we want to give. Most importantly, we should never expect one for any occasion. Here is a bit of Q & A to help get us back on the proper etiquette road. Graduation Party Gifts Requested Q: My daughter is grad

The Polite One's Insights

Search This Blog