Holiday tipping guide: How much to give?

Though holiday tipping can vary based on regional customs or type of establishment, here are some rough guidelines from the Emily Post Institute’s website, www.emilypost.com.

Live-in nanny: One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren).

Regular babysitter: One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).

Day-care provider: A gift from you or $25 to $70 for each staff member, and a small gift from your child(ren).

Home health employees: Check with agency about gift and tipping policies. If there is a no-tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency and a thoughtful gift from you.

Housekeeper/cleaner: Up to the amount of one week’s pay or a small gift, or both.

Barber: Cost of one haircut or a gift.

Beauty salon staff: Cash or gift, depending on whether you tip well after each service. For example, you could divide the cost of one salon visit for each staff member who works with you, or give a small gift to each of those who work on you.

Personal trainer: Up to the cost of one session or a gift.

Pet groomer (if the same person grooms your pet all year): Up to the cost of one session or a gift.

Pool cleaner: The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.

Garage attendants: $10 to $30 or a small gift.

Newspaper delivery person: $10 to $30 or a small gift.

Mail carrier: The United States Postal Service prohibits cash gifts. Mail carriers may accept food and gifts worth less than $20 (travel mugs, hand warmers).

Handyman: $15 to $40.

Trash/recycling collectors: Cash ($10 to $30) or gift for private; check city regulations if it is a municipal service.

Yard or garden worker: $20 to $50 each.

Teachers: A small gift or note from you, as well as a small gift from your child.

-- Booth Moore