Most people know you are supposed to tip your server at least 15 to 20 percent of your restaurant bill, but who else should you be tipping and how much?
According to The Emily Post Institute, any holiday gift or tip that you give to people who provide you with service throughout the year (such as your dog walker, hair dresser or house cleaner) should be accompanied by a short, handwritten thank-you note. If you tip your service providers regularly throughout the year, you may be able to give a smaller holiday bonus or gift.
Airport shuttle or baggage handlers. Tipping $1 to $3 is suggested, especially if they help with your heavy bags. Consider giving more if they are working on a particularly busy travel day.
Barista. $1 to $5 is suggested depend-ing on the complexity of your drink order. In the holiday season, consider giving more if the person is your favorite barista or if they’re working on a holiday.
Bartender. Tip $1 to $3 per drink depending on the complexity of the drink or 20 percent of total tab. Again, if you have a special relationship with your bartender, consider giving more during the holiday season.
Dog groomer. 15 to 20 percent of the cost of grooming services is expected throughout the year. Keep in mind that often times groomers throw in extra treatments for no charge and they have to handle your dog, who may really hate water or blow dryers.
Dog walker. You certainly don’t need to leave a tip for every walk, but if you ask your dog walker to go above and beyond, like give your dog medicine, a show of appreciation would be appropriate. It is recommended that you give your regular dog walker a holiday gift, up to a week’s worth of salary in cash or a gift card.
Fast food or buffet worker. You do not need to tip as much as you would for a full-service restaurant, but a few dollars are appreciated.
Food delivery person. Tipping 10 percent or a few dollars is acceptable. More should be given if the driver had to navigate hazardous weather conditions or is working on a holiday.
Grocery delivery person. For a grocery delivery service, 12 to 18 percent is acceptable. Consider upping the amount if the driver had to drive in bad weather. Some delivery services may include a delivery charge or not allow their drivers to accept tips.
Hairdresser, barber, or makeup artist. You should tip 15 to 20 percent of the cost of their services. If you tip throughout the year, a larger holiday tip of up to 30 percent is appropriate. If you don’t tip throughout the year, a holiday gift of up to the cost of one session is recommended.
Hotel concierge. $5 to $20 is suggested depending on the level of assistance provided, with a tip at the higher end for those working holidays.
Hotel doorperson or bellhop. $1 to $2 per bag is recommended. Hotel maid. Leaving $5–$20 on the nightstand for the maid per night is recommended.
House cleaner. You can tip 15 to 20 percent per service. If you do not want to tip for every visit, consider tipping when the house is particularly dirty. It is recommended that you give your house cleaners a holiday gift equivalent to at least one week’s pay.
Massage therapist, esthetician, or other spa worker. Tipping 15 to 20 percent of the massage or other spa treatment is expected throughout the year.
Movers. It is suggested that you give $20 to $40 per mover for a day of work. If you have particularly heavy furniture or live on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator, consider tipping a bit more. Additionally, it is common to provide water and a simple meal for your movers.
Plumber, electrician, or contractor. It is not expected for you to tip your home service person, but you may consider tipping them $20 or more it if they have gone above and beyond on their job.
Postal worker. Legally, postal workers are not allowed to accept tips. If you really want to thank them, especially during the busy holiday season, you can give them a gift worth less than $20 but cash or cash equivalents are prohibited according to USPS policy. Your UPS or FedEx delivery person can receive $20 to $25 at the holidays, or a small gift. FedEx drivers may receive up to $75.
Tattoo artist. A 20 percent tip is expected.
Taxi or ride share driver. The consensus is to tip your driver 15 to 20 percent for longer rides and a flat fee of $2–$5 for a short trip.
Tour guide or tour bus driver. It is recommended giving your tour guide and bus driver $2 to $10 for a day tour.
Road service provider. It is not expected, but you can tip $5 to $20 for that car jump, tire change, or tow, especially if you feel that they did a great job.
Valet. Depending on how well you want your car to be taken care of, tipping anywhere from $2 to $10 is suggested.
