Key points
- A holiday tip is a way to thank the people who make everyday life easier — not an obligation.
- Public sector employees, such as postmen and cleaners, often cannot accept cash, but small gifts are okay.
- Set a budget, personalize the gesture, and offer advice or gifts before mid-December.
Tipping during the holidays isn’t about keeping score, it’s about showing appreciation for the people who help you throughout the year. Whether it’s a babysitter, a delivery driver, or a building employee, a thoughtful tip or small gift can mean a lot.
Every year, as Christmas approaches, I see more and more stories about holiday tipping etiquette and who I should tip. I understand tipping in the hospitality industry. For example, waiters make most of their money from tips, and they have an established custom about what to tip. I don’t always agree, and if the service is bad, I tip less, and if the service is great, I tip more.
But as inflation rises, workers are forced to do more with less, and simply show your gratitude, let’s talk about holiday tips (and some food for thought about tips in general).
Who do you advise and how much?
Here is a solid list of recommended tips:
- Babysitter – One to two nights’ rent
- Cleaning person – Cost per visit
- Dog walker – One week’s wages
- Hairdresser – Cost per visit
- mailman – Money cannot be accepted, but something (candy, snack, trade show item, etc.) less than $20
- Newspaper delivery employee – $10 – $30
- Home nurse – Personal gift
- Personal trainer – $50 for the cost of one session
- Teacher – A small gift or gift card (check your school regulations)
- Garbage collector – From 10 to 30 dollars
For the postman specifically, here USPS regulations.
When do you advise?
I’m a firm believer in giving advice to go the extra mile. This is why I’m having trouble with holiday tips – what should I tip? For someone doing his job? I have no doubt that the person receiving the tip will be grateful – I would be grateful if I received the tip. But really, should I tip the mailman? I don’t know this guy, and he’s never done anything extra for me, even though he does his job every day by delivering my mail.
On the other hand, the postman (or postwoman) probably knows you. They’re probably delivering your mail and packages (a lot of packages if you’re like our family), and they’re probably trying hard to make sure you don’t miss anything. You probably have a snail mail person on your way, and you probably have a regular backup as well. Since he’s a regular person who supports your life – maybe you should thank him.
Timing of advice: Try to deliver by mid-December so it doesn’t get lost in the crowd.
What about other plug drivers?
Let’s face it, gone are the days when USPS just delivered your mail and packages every day. Today, most homes get a large number of deliveries, from different drivers. You will have USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon. After that, you’ll also likely have random delivery companies running alongside them (like Amazon) or Instacart.
So, what do you do about other delivery drivers?
First, if you can, tip them in the app. Remember, these people are there in a rush for Christmas! If this isn’t possible, you might consider leaving a basket of water or treats for them to take during the birth.
Quick rules before you give
- Know the limits: Federal and local employees often cannot accept cash gifts.
- Think practically: Gift cards, homemade gifts, or small tokens are always appreciated.
- Avoid embarrassment: If you share a home service (such as landscaping), coordinate a group tip.
- Make it simple: A handwritten card with kind words is often as important as money.
Bottom line
Holiday tipping is about gratitude, not guilt. A modest sum, a thoughtful card, or a genuine word of thanks can brighten someone’s season — and yours, too.
Readers, do you have any vacation tips?
Editor: Clint Proctor
Reviewed by: Chris Mueller
The post Holiday Tipping Guide 2025: Who Should Tip, How Much and What to Give appeared first on The College Investor.
