Holiday tips can vary depending on the service, your relationship with the worker and regional customs. It should be something more meaningful than just your change.
The following represent generally accepted holiday tipping standards as follows:
- Restaurant delivery drivers: 20% of the total bill or $5, whichever is higher.
- Ride-share drivers: 15-20% of the fare.
- Babysitters or nannies: One evening or one week’s pay, respectively.
- Hairstylists or beauticians: Equivalent to one visit.
- Door attendants: $20 to $100, depending on the level of service provided.
- Maintenance workers like housekeepers and landscapers: One week’s pay.
- Repair people: $20 to $100.
- Newspaper carriers: $10 to $30.
- Trash collectors: $10 to $25 per person, if allowed.
- Dog walkers: One day or week’s pay.
- Dog groomers: Equivalent to one visit.
For people who might roll their eyes … or say that’s too rich, I’d say that if you can afford those luxuries, then you can afford to tip.
Do not to think in terms of dollars and cents but rather in the spirit of the season and see tipping as a chance to show gratitude to those who provide great service all year long.
In general, it is a nice practice to tip all of those who help you more generously during the holiday season. A 20% tip is now the industry standard for meals at full-service restaurants, and 15% to 20% is appropriate for quick-serve or fast-casual establishments.
The level of service provided by a worker also influences the tip amount. That means the holiday tip for a housekeeper who is at your home weekly should be different from the holiday tip for a hairdresser you see once a month.
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