resq-girl: What is the etiquette on giving Holiday gifts to hired help?
I am aware that giving a small Holiday gift to the mail carrier is not uncommon. My mother gives a $ 20 check to the mail lady each year. What about the gardener? We have a gardener that mows are lawn every week. Also, if you do give something to these people, what or how much?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Carol
There’s no official guide, so I would recommend this test:
1. Do I appreciate the work the person performs?
2. If I was in their shoes, would I truly appreciate the gesture?
3. How much can I afford?
If you can afford to give the gardener a $ 5 gift card, then that is a good amount. Do you live in a mansion that has 400 shrubs that prick the guy to death? Than $ 5 is more of a “I have to get you something.”
Answer by HolidayHelperHi there – hope you find this helpful ! Happy holidays.
The Emily Post Institute offers some general guidelines for holiday tipping.
Baby sitter, nanny: For a frequent baby sitter, one day/evening’s pay or a gift equal to that amount. For a live-in or everyday nanny, one week’s pay, plus a gift from the child.
Day care staff: A tip of $ 25 to $ 70 to each care provider plus a small gift from your child.
Child’s teacher: Check your school’s policy about gift giving. If gifts are allowed, give something as a token of you and your child’s appreciation. Don’t give cash. Gift cards for bookstores or a favorite coffee shop are always popular.
Fitness trainer: If it’s a trainer you see regularly (especially if he or she comes to your home), a tip or gift equal to the cost of one session. If it’s a group-class trainer or instructor, no tip is necessary, although a small token or card is always appreciated.
Gardener: A tip equal to the cost of one service. If you pay your gardener by the month for weekly service, tip a quarter to half of the monthly fee.
Hairstylist, manicurist: If you’re a regular client, a tip or gift equal to one visit, depending what your normal service costs. A gift may be more appropriate if you tip after each service. If you’re an infrequent customer just getting a holiday trim or polish, double your normal service tip.
Handyman: If you use this person on a regular basis, a $ 15 to $ 40 tip.
Home health employees: Check with the agency first, since some home nursing groups have a no-gifts/no-tips policy. If that’s the case, consider making a donation to the agency.
Housekeeper: A tip equal to the cost of one service. It it’s a live-in housekeeper, give a tip equal to one week’s pay.
Massage therapist: A tip or gift equal to one session if you get frequent massages from this person. If you’re only an occasional client, double your normal tip at the holidays.
Pet sitter: If you frequently use the same pet sitter, give a tip or gift equal to one or two days’ pay.
Answer by resourcefulmomHi! This is a hard one. Each industry has a different standard. Some may restricted from taking cash – public employees (mail carrier, school teacher) or retail employee, but most are not. The answer about Emily Post etiquette is a great one. If you can’t afford what that recommends, even a card or homemade gift is greatly appreciated.
Following is a list of people you might want to consider when putting together a gift/tip list this year.
Good luck! Happy Holidays.
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