How many of you take the advice given below, and tip those on the list at Christmas?
How Much Is Right? A Guide to Holiday Tipping
Here are a few suggestions for tipping your hairdresser, dog walker, mailman…
Teacher
Homemade gift from your child; gift certificates to places like a bookstore or office supply store; Homebaked good
CHILDCARE, EDUCATION Au pair or live-in nanny. One week’s pay and a gift from your child or children
Regular babysitter One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child or children
Day care provider $25-$50, or gift for each staff member
NEWSPAPER, POSTAL CARRIERS, GARBAGE COLLECTORS
Note: According to the USPS website, the United States Postal Service does not allow their employees to accept cash gifts. Postal Service employees may receive snacks and beverages, perishable items (i.e. flowers, chocolates, cookies) less than $20 worth; or items of small intrinsic value (i.e. pens, coffee mugs.)
USPS Mail Carrier Non-cash gifts with value up to $20.
Newspaper Carrier Daily, $25-$50; Weekend, $10
UPS Driver $15 for regular driver
Garbage Collector No need to tip unless you know the collector.
PET SERVICES
Dog groomer Cost of a session
Dog walker or sitter 1-2 week’s usual pay
PERSONAL CARE
Note: Like other service professionals, holiday tips for personal-care providers generally go to those with whom we have established relationships. Hairdressers, manicurists and massage therapists, for example, often receive gifts or cash tips from regular clients. If the person is the shop's owner, keep in mind the total cost of the service generally goes to them, so a cash tip may not be necessary. But the gesture is usually appreciated.
Manicurist/pedicurist Cost of one session
Hairdresser/stylist Cost of one session
Massage therapist Cost of one session
Personal trainer Cost of one session
Maid
One week’s pay. This is for a maid employed directly. For those using a service, with a different maid each time, no tip is necessary.
APARTMENT SERVICES
Note: Tips to apartment staff are highly appreciated and well-noted. Cash in envelopes for the entire staff is recommended.
Apartment building superintendent
$50-$200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
Apartment doorman/concierge $10-$80 or more, depending upon the building.
Handyman $15-$40
Elevator operators $15-$40
Tip's to those in the "service industry" at Christmas?
Re: Tip's to those in the "service industry" at Christmas?
Don't forget your fishing guide! 
Tipping is one of those old fashioned things that some of us younger folks have rejected. I think we have a lot of Steve Buschemi Reservoir Dogs out there these days. I try to tip everyone that give me exceptional service, and some of them won't accept it. Apparently corporate policy doesn't like their employees to be overpaid.
Tipping is one of those old fashioned things that some of us younger folks have rejected. I think we have a lot of Steve Buschemi Reservoir Dogs out there these days. I try to tip everyone that give me exceptional service, and some of them won't accept it. Apparently corporate policy doesn't like their employees to be overpaid.