Key Points
- Holiday tipping is a way to thank the people who make everyday life easier — not an obligation.
- Public employees like mail carriers and sanitation workers often can’t accept cash, but small gifts are fine.
- Set a budget, personalize the gesture, and give your tips or gifts before mid-December.
Tipping during the holidays isn’t about keeping score — it’s about showing appreciation to the people who help you all year. Whether that’s your babysitter, delivery driver, or building staff, a thoughtful tip or small gift can mean a lot.
Every year, as it gets closer to Christmas, I see more and more stories about holiday tipping etiquette and who I should tip. I understand tipping in the hospitality industry. For example, waiters make most of their money on tips, and they have an established custom on what to tip. I don’t always agree, and if the service was poor, I tip less, and if the service was great, I tip more.
But with higher inflation, workers having to do more with less, and simply showing your gratitude, let’s talk about holiday tipping (and some food for thought on tipping in general).
Who Do You Tip & How Much?
Here is a solid list of what is recommended for tips:
- Baby Sitter – One to two nights pay
- Cleaning Person – Cost of one visit
- Dog Walker – A week’s pay
- Hairstylist – Cost of one visit
- Mailman – Can’t accept money, but something (candy, snack, trade show item, etc.) less than $20
- Newspaper Delivery Person – $10 – $30
- Nursing Home Worker – Personal Gift
- Personal Trainer – $50 to the cost of one session
- Teacher – Small Gift or Giftcard (check your school’s regulations)
- Trash Collector – $10 to $30
For the mailman specifically, here are the USPS regulations.
When Do You Tip?
I’m a firm believer that a tip should be given for going above and beyond. That’s why I have a problem with holiday tipping – what am I tipping for? For someone who is doing their job? I have no doubt that the person receiving the tip would be grateful – I would be if I received a tip. But really, should I tip the mailman? I don’t know this person, they have never done anything extra for me, although they do their job everyday by delivering my mail.
On the flip-side, your mailman (or mail woman) likely knows you. They likely deliver your mail and packages (lots of packages if you’re anything like our family), and they likely try hard to ensure that nothing is missed. You likely have a regular mail-person on your route, and likely a regular backup as well. Given it’s a regular person supporting your life – you should probably thank them.
Tip timing: Try to deliver by mid-December so it doesn’t get lost in the rush.
What About Other Delivery Drivers?
Let’s face it, the days of only USPS delivering your mail and packages everyday are long gone. Today, most houses get a slew of deliveries, from various drivers. You’ll have USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon. Then, you’ll also likely have random couriers that are side hustling (think Amazon) or Instacart.
So, what do you do about these other delivery drivers?
First, if you can, tip them in the app. Remember, these people are out there side hustling for Christmas! If that’s not possible, you could consider leaving out a basket of water or treats for them to take as they deliver.
Quick Rules Before You Give
- Know the limits: Federal and local employees often can’t accept cash gifts.
- Think practical: Gift cards, homemade treats, or small tokens are always appreciated.
- Avoid awkwardness: If you share a household service (like landscapers), coordinate a group tip.
- Keep it simple: A handwritten card with kind words often matters as much as the money.
Bottom Line
Holiday tipping is about gratitude, not guilt. A modest amount, a thoughtful card, or a genuine thank-you can brighten someone’s season — and yours too.
Readers, do you have any holiday tipping advice?
The post Holiday Tipping Guide 2025: Who to Tip, How Much, and What to Give appeared first on The College Investor.
