Holiday Tipping Guide: Here’s How Much to Give

If you’re suffering from tipping fatigue, you’re not alone.  A recent survey finds that most Americans think the practice has gotten out of control as it seems like we’re being asked to tip just about everywhere—even at self-serve kiosks and grocery stores. While you might bristle at tipping for service you provided to yourself, there are still many service providers worthy of an extra thank you—especially around the holidays. To take the guesswork out of tipping this season, this guide can help you determine how to thank the important providers in your life.

A holiday tipping guide for the service providers in your life

In-home service providers

According to Seattle-based modern etiquette expert Jennifer Porter, you should tip 5 to 10 percent of monthly payroll for someone who comes regularly to your home (such as a nanny, home medical provider or gardener) or the equivalent of one service for someone who works more sporadically (such as a babysitter). Cash tips are typically better than gift cards, as they are easier to use—and won’t expire.

Handymen also provide valuable services but, according to a recent survey about tipping, home repair workers are least likely providers to receive a gratuity. However, if you have a go-to home maintenance helper, you may want to include them on your holiday tip list.

Out-of-the-home service providers

The people who help you improve and maintain your personal well-being—personal trainers, hair stylists and dog groomers—are so important and deserve your thanks this time of year.

“Showing your gratitude with a tip is a thoughtful way to support them back,” Porter says. “Depending upon the session cost, anywhere from 50 percent and up is appropriate for a holiday gratuity.”

Grocery staff

Tipping your grocery workers became customary during the pandemic years. It remains a nice gesture, particularly for regular customers who frequent the same stores and interact with the same checkers and baggers often. If you regularly order groceries for pickup, consider tipping your shopper and the person who brings out your orders as well.

“A $20 bill tucked into a handwritten note is a nice way to show thanks,” Porter says. “If there is someone who is always cheerful, makes eye contact and thanks you for your business, this is someone who needs to know how much you appreciate them.”

Rideshare, delivery, other service providers

Whether you’re taking an Uber, ordering food through Postmates, or going on vacation this holiday season, you may want to show extra appreciation for those who are serving you and making your life more convenient. A recent survey on tipping shows that most people are already in the habit of giving gratuity to ride-share and delivery drivers (88 percent and 93 percent, respectively). But many people will kick in a little something extra during the holiday season.

"Starting in mid-November, gig workers deserve a little extra as their load increases and sometimes customers' patience decreases,” Porter says. “Be generous when engaging these services—if your budget allows, an extra 5 percent tip is always welcome.”

Keep in mind that only 22 percent of people regularly tip baristas and hotel housekeepers, so these workers may also be people to whom you could give a little extra this time of year.

Postal and city service workers

Your postal workers will likely be making more stops at your home over the holiday season so this is a great time to thank them for the work they do. But there are some guidelines on the types of gratuities they can accept.

For instance, the United States Postal Service only allows workers to accept gifts (no cash, checks or gift cards) that are worth less than $20. FedEx employees cannot accept cash or gift cards, but they can accept gifts under $75, while UPS discourages its drivers from accepting any tips. You can also “thank” your Amazon delivery drivers through your Alexa device or online without actually having to tip.

Trash collectors can receive gratuities but getting those tips to workers (some of whom may not leave the truck due to weather conditions) can be tricky. Taping a cash tip ($15-$20 per worker) to your cans—using bright, clearly marked envelopes!—is one way to give thanks. But these tips are not expected.

In lieu of monetary tips, you might consider placing a bin with pre-packaged snacks and drinks on your porch (or in your mail room if you live in an apartment building or condo) so that delivery and sanitation workers can stay fueled during this busy time.

Budgeting for tips

If the above tipping guidance doesn't seem doable for your budget this year, there’s no need to stress or feel guilty. Porter recommends tipping less for each service provider on your list instead of eliminating people from said list. That way, everyone still gets something. 

While cash is best for tips, any show of appreciation goes a long way to making people feel good about the work they do.

“A thoughtful note of thanks and a handmade treat or gift is a very touching way to say thank you during the holidays,” Porter says.