A Quick Guide for Holiday Tipping

According to a survey Consumer Reports, the average holiday tip is between ten and $25.  About a third of people said they'll tip the person who delivers their newspaper.  And about 25% plan to tip their dog-walker.

--But in every category except housekeeping, more than half of people said they're NOT giving tips out.

--The website Gifts.com has a new guide for what you should be tipping this year.  Here's a quick list of people you should at least THINK about.

#1.)  Doormen.  Anywhere from $10 to $100 each, depending on how much they do for you.  And you don't have to spread out the tips equally.  If one of them is nicer, give him more.

#2.)  Building Superintendents.  Again, anywhere from $10 to $100.  But tip less if you also tip him during the year.

#3.)  Barbers, Hairdressers, and Manicurists.  If you're getting your hair cut or your nails done this month, and you always go to the same person, just double your NORMAL tip.

--If you're NOT planning to go, don't make a special trip.  Since you normally tip them when you see them, there's no need to tip them again for the holidays.

#4.)  Your Gardener.  $20 to $50.  But if you use a service that sends a different gardener every week, don't tip at all.

#5.)  Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters.  One or two weeks-worth pay.  So, if you give them $30 a week, a $60 tip is generous.

#6.)  Babysitter.  If they only babysit every now and then, don't worry about it.  But if it's on a regular basis, one or two nights' pay is good.  Or go with a gift card.

--If it's a full-time NANNY, it should be somewhere between one week and one MONTH'S pay.

--For your day care staff, $25 to $70 for each staff member.  Plus a small gift from your child.

#7.)  Your Housekeeper.  If you don't normally tip them, give them about one week's pay.  But only if it's the same cleaning person every time.

#8.)  Your Mailman.  He's not allowed to receive cash, so go with a gift worth about $20.  But don't feel like you HAVE to.  If you have more than one mailman, don't worry about it.

--Or, instead of a gift, just send an email to his supervisor explaining what a great job he's done all year.

--FedEx doesn't allow drivers to accept cash or gifts worth more than $75.  U.P.S. doesn't have a policy.

#9.)  Your Assistant at Work.  Buy them a gift worth at least $50.  If they've been with you a long time, spend more.  A gift certificate, or tickets to an event are both good.  But avoid anything too personal, like clothing or perfume.

#10.)  Miscellaneous Service People.  For more random people . . . like your spinning instructor at the gym, or your favorite checkout person at the grocery store . . . gift cards are usually fine.  But not necessary.

(Gifts.com / Investopedia.com)