INDIANAPOLIS — With Christmas around the corner, some of us want to say, "Thank you" to the people who help us out all year long – people like your babysitter, your hair stylist or mail carrier.
That's where holiday tipping comes in.
But holiday tipping isn't just money. That's because some people can't accept cash due to their company policy.
Who can take cash
If your budget allows, cash is a gift that's always appreciated.
According to the Emily Post Institute, a group that offers etiquette training and advice, here are some of the people who can take money or a gift:
- Regular babysitter - Options: Cash
Suggested amount or gift: Up to one evening's pay and a small gift from your child(ren). - Barber - Options: Cash or gift
Suggested amount or gift: Up to the cost of one haircut or a gift - Beauty salon staff - Options: Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service.
Suggested amount or gift: Up to the cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift tp each for those who work with you. - Day care provider - Options: Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren).
Suggested amount or gift: A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member who works with your child(ren) and a small gift from your child(ren). - Housekeeper/Cleaner - Options: Cash and/or a gift
Suggested amount or gift: Up to the amount of one week's pay and/or a small gift. - Personal trainer - Options: Cash or gift
Suggested amount or gift: Up to the cost of one session or a gift. - Pet groomer - Options: Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year).
Suggested amount or gift: Up to the cost of one session or a gift. - Dog walker - Options: Cash or gift
Suggested amount or gift: Up to one week's pay or a gift.
When to avoid cash
- Private nurse - Options: Gift
Suggested amount or gift: A thoughtful gift from you. - Home health employees - Options: Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency.
Suggested amount or gift: A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.) - Nursing home employees - Options: A gift (not cash). Check company policy first.
Suggested amount or gift: A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items). - Mail carrier - Options: Small gift only
Suggested Amount or Gift: Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service are allowed to accept:
- Snacks and beverages or perishable gifts that are not part of a meal.
- Small gifts that have little intrinsic value (travel mugs, hand warmers, etc…) and are clearly no more than $20 in value.
- Perishable items clearly worth more (large fruit baskets or cookie tins) must be shared with the entire branch.
Cash gifts for teacher can be tricky too.
Instead, Emily Post Co-president Lizzie Post said to opt for something they can use in the classroom in the future.
"Because teachers really do have to pay for so much for that classroom out-of-pocket, that gift certificates to craft supply stores, office supply stores, things like that can be real gamechangers for teachers and things that they really appreciate," Post said.
As for clergy or a spiritual leader, an extra donation is a good way to say "Thank you."
Saying "Thank you"
If money is tight, stick with a thank-you note.
"You can use your words this time of year to say 'thank you so much for an excellent year of service. I really appreciate the service that you offer. I'm really grateful for it. I wish I could do what I've done in years past, and I'm sorry that I can't this year, but it is not at all a reflection on your service,'" Post suggested.