Deciding who to tip doesn’t have to be complicated, says Daniel Post Senning, great-great-grandson of label expert Emily Post and host of Emily’s “Awesome Etiquette” podcast. Post Institute.
“To simplify the process, just consider tipping service providers in key areas of your personal life,†he says.
These people can include those who care for your family, such as a nanny or caregiver, as well as those who look after your home, such as a housekeeper or handyman. You can also consider donating to those who help you look good and stay healthy, such as a stylist, barber, or personal trainer.
Where you live can also have an impact on who you tip. Senning, who lives in countryside Vermont, tips the person who plows his driveway when it snows. For someone in South Florida, however, the tip may go to the person cleaning the pool.
When considering how much to give, etiquette and tip experts say a good place to start is to consider an amount equal to the cost of a service. If you feel you have received exemplary service throughout the year, then you can add to this base amount.
In member surveys Consumer Reports has conducted over the years on tip behavior, housekeepers are the service providers who have received tips most often during the holidays. They also received the largest amounts.
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