Tipping Tips

Tips on Tipping....

Postal workers: Postal Service official policy states that postal workers cannot receive cash, or cash equivalents like gift cards, in any amount. Gifts worth $20 or less are allowed, however, which makes baked goods or do-it-yourself presents ideal.

Day care teachers and nannies: For day care teachers, cash gifts are definitely appreciated and, in some cases, expected. Consider joining up with other parents to give each teacher $100 to $300. Think of it more as a holiday gift than a tip. Meanwhile, full-time nannies have salaries, and a standard tip would be to give an additional check equal to their weekly paycheck.

Doormen of residential buildings: Plan on giving each worker at least $20 and sometimes closer to $100, depending on the type of building and its traditions. Ask longtime residents or the building manager if you're unsure. Throughout the year, if the doorman provides extra service, like carrying up your groceries, tip between $5 and $10 per trip.

Cleaning service provider: Give the value of one visit. If you usually pay $100 per week, then give at least an extra $100 around the holidays.

Regular hairstylist, trainer, aesthetician and other service providers: Similar to the cleaning service recommendation, consider giving a tip equal to the value of one visit. This guideline only applies to people you see regularly (more than once a month). Otherwise, a 20 percent tip per visit without an additional holiday boost is standard.

Newspaper delivery person: A gift between $10 and $20 or more in an envelope will help show your appreciation for all those cold and rainy mornings you can pick up your paper without a coat.

Garbage collectors: This thankless job often gets overlooked at tipping time, but consider giving each worker at least $20. If you leave extra garbage any time throughout the year, then leave an additional $10 to $20 for their effort.