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With a name that literally means 'thank you,' merci® Finest Assortment of European Chocolates is a great accompaniment to a cash tip this holiday season. A box of merci® chocolate is the perfect gift for occasions when a gift is more appropriate than a tip and makes a great hostess gift, as well. These delicious, individually wrapped premium chocolates are packaged in a sophisticated box and are one of the sweetest ways to say thank you at the holidays. merci® can be found at national retailers including Target, Walgreens, Safeway, Wal-Mart Supercenters, Kmart and 7-Eleven. For more information visit www.storck.us/merci
For more gift ideas for saying thank you this holiday season, visit 1800flowers.com
Updated for 2007
The holiday season is the traditional time to say “thank you” and “I appreciate the work you do” to those who have provided service to you throughout the year. Don’t forget that one of the best ways to express your appreciation is a hand-written note, which should accompany any holiday tip.
Whether and how much to tip varies widely, depending on:
If you regularly tip at the time of service, you may forgo or give a more modest holiday tip. Try to include your child in gift decisions for teachers, day care providers, nannies, and babysitters.
Every situation is different, so let common sense, specific circumstances, and holiday spirit be your guides. The tip amounts in this chart are merely guidelines. What to give is always an individual decision.
| Au pair |
A gift from your family (or one-week’s pay), plus a small gift from your child |
| Babysitter, regular |
One evening’s pay, plus a small gift from your child |
| Barber |
Cost of one haircut or a gift |
| Beauty salon staff |
The cost of one salon visit, split among the staff |
| Child’s teacher |
Check your school’s policy first, as gift giving may be prohibited. If allowed, then give a gift that is a token of appreciation from your child, not cash. Possibilities: a homemade gift made by your child, a book or a picture frame. Or, consider participating in a joint gift from the class as a whole. Possibilities: a gift certificate to a restaurant or bookstore. |
| Day care providers |
$25 to $70 each, plus a small gift from your child for the providers who give direct care to your child(ren) |
| Dog walker |
One week’s pay or a gift |
| Fitness trainer, personal |
Up to the cost of one session |
| Garage attendants |
$10 to $30 each |
Home health employees |
A gift, but check with the agency first, as most agencies have a no gifts or no tips policy. If this is the case, consider giving a donation to the agency. |
| Housekeeper/cleaner |
Up to one week’s pay or a gift |
Letter carriers |
U.S. government regulations permit carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20 per occasion, not cash |
Live-in help (Nanny, Housekeeper, Cook, Butler) |
One week’s to one month’s salary based on tenure and customs in your area, plus a personal gift |
| Massage therapist |
Up to one session’s fee or a gift |
| Newspaper deliverer |
$10 to $30 |
| Nurse, private |
A gift, not cash |
| Nursing home employees |
A gift, not cash, but check the company policy first. Consider giving a gift that could be enjoyed by or shared among the floor staff: flowers, chocolates or food items. |
Package deliverer |
A small gift if you receive deliveries regularly; most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts |
Personal caregiver |
Up to one week’s salary or a small gift |
Pet Groomer |
If the same person grooms your pet all year, up to one session’s fee or a gift |
Pool cleaner |
Cost of one cleaning, to be split among crew |
| Residential building personnel: Check with your building association first to see if there is a holiday fund that is shared among all the building personnel |
|
| Superintendent |
$20 to $80 |
| Doorman |
$15 to $80; $15 or more each, for multiple doormen |
Elevator operator |
$15 to $40 |
|
Handyman |
$15 to $40 |
| Trash/recycling collectors |
$10 to $30 each (for private service); for municipal service, check local regulations |
| Yard and garden worker |
$20 to $50 |
