Don't be a Grinch and skimp on gratuities. Here's your holiday tipping guide for 2021

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Editor's note: This story was first published in 2020.

This year has been hard for everyone. Given the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many people unexpectedly out of work, it might be nice to be a little extra generous this holiday season — if you can — to all the people who make your life a little easier.

Here’s a list from the Emily Post Institute of the most common Christmas tips and guidelines to help you decide how much is appropriate to give this holiday season.

Holiday tipping guide

  • Babysitter: Cash, in the amount of one night's average pay, and a small gift or card from the kids, if you use them regularly.

  • Barber: Cash, in the amount of one haircut, or a gift of a similar value.

  • Beauty salon staff: Cash, in the amount of one salon visit that you ask to be divided among the staff, or a small gift for each employee who works with you.

  • Dog walker: Cash, up to one week's pay, or gift if you use them regularly.

  • Home health worker: Check with the agency first about the tipping policy. If it's allowed, give a gift.

  • Housekeeper: Cash, in the amount of one week's pay, or a gift.

  • Massage therapist: Cash, up to the amount for one session, or a gift.

  • Nursing home employees: A gift (not cash) that the staff can share, i.e., chocolates and cookies.

  • Personal caregiver: Cash, between one week's and one month's salary, or a gift.

  • Personal trainer: Cash, up to the amount for one session, or a gift.

  • Pet groomer: Cash, up to the amount for one session, or a gift.

  • Trash or recycling collectors: Cash, $10-$30 each, or a gift.

  • Yard workers: Cash, $20-$50 each, or a gift.

  • Mail carrier: Small gift only, under $20 in value as the U.S. Postal Service rules forbid cash.

  • Newspaper deliverer: Cash, $10-$30, or a small gift. Sometimes you can include a tip when you pay your bill. Remember that adults usually do this job these days.

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Giving the gift of cash at Christmas
Giving the gift of cash at Christmas

The rules for holiday tipping are a little different this year. When you can, try to leave tips this year without using cash, or better yet, without contact of any kind using a mobile wallet, tap-to-pay credit/debit card readers or an app such as Venmo.

Above all, keep in mind to stay within your holiday budget. If you don’t have money to spare, think instead about writing a heartfelt note to those who made an impact on your life this past year. Tipping is something to do out of appreciation, not an obligation. It’s a way to say thank you to the people who make your life a little easier or a little richer throughout the year.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com. Twitter: @kirbylouisville.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Holiday tipping guide: Who to tip and how much to give this Christmas