- First Impressions
- Meeting Someone New
- Handshakes and Introductions
- The Art of Conversation
- Listening Skills
- Telephone Conversations
- Table Manners at Home & in Public
- Place Settings
- Dining Out, Dining Mistakes
- Body Talk, and Disgusting Habits!
- Coping with Difficult Foods
- Backpack Attacks
- Doorway Decorum
- Public Spaces: Malls, Elevators, Events & Transit
- Home Improvement – Family Life & Strife
- Body Language Around the World
- Cross Cultural Communication
- How to be Assertive But Not Aggressive
- Cultivating a Great First impression
- Sending the Right Signals: Body Language
- Handshakes
- Preparing a Personal Soundbite
- Building Relationships with Small Talk
- Making a Connection
- Mingling at Receptions
- Effective e-mails
- At the End of an Interview
- Dress for Success
Tipping and Gift Giving at the Holidays
The Etiquette Advantage, Lisa Wright
June 22, 2007
Doesn’t it feel wonderful give around the holidays? After considering family and friends, there are many people who make your life easier and who deserve attention. But too many gifts that are too extravagant can be a financial burden. Gifts and tipping are for people who have been kind, attentive or have done something above and beyond the job. There are four rules that apply:
- Is it a meaningful service provided throughout the year?
- Do you have a personal relationship with the service provider?
- Do you tip that person throughout the year?
- What is your budget?
You may wonder how much to give and whether a gift is more appropriate. There are no hard rules here because the decision is so subjective. Many service providers depend on tips at the holidays in order to make ends meet, so most of the time, cash is preferable. But for postal workers and teachers, a small gift is the right thing to do. Teachers appreciate getting supplies for the classroom or a small gift certificate.
Consider the quality of the relationship: If your baby-sitter came through when you had an emergency; if your hairdresser treats you like a star; if the newspaper carrier never misses a day, no matter what – you will want to be more generous. Some providers are seldom seen and still do a great job. But it is understandable not to tip someone you have never seen or for a service where staff changes regularly.
For many service providers, look at giving a range of from half to the whole amount of the cost of a typical service. If you think very highly of the person, and can afford it, give twice the cost of the service.
Here are some guidelines for the people who take care of you and make your life better:
Nanny: either a tip of about one week’s pay or a personal gift. Your children should show appreciation with a small, home-made gift or a card.
Baby-sitter: You probably tip throughout the year. At the holidays, give a gift of half to the whole amount of a typical evening’s pay.
Barbers and beauty salon: Tip half to the whole amount of one haircut. A gift of a bottle of wine is good too. For an assistant give about $10.
Dog walker: Range of half to whole cost of a week’s service. A personal gift is appropriate if your relationship is close.
Garage attendants and newspaper carrier: The range would be from $10 to $30.
Housekeeper: The range is half to one day’s pay plus a gift if you have a close relationship.
Apartment Superintendent: A tip of $25 to $100 depending on the relationship.
Think about whether the person has had a big impact on your everyday life and show your sincere appreciation. But remember, it’s great to be generous but our pockets aren’t deep anough to tip everyone who is kind to us.