How much to tip for the holidays: free holiday tipping calculator
The people who keep the year running, from the bin crew at dawn to the sitter who stays late, deserve a real thank-you. Tick who helps you, and get how much to give each one, what to give instead of cash where cash isn't allowed, and the total against your budget. Free, no sign-up, and nothing leaves your browser.
Your thank-you list
When to do it
Sources: the Emily Post Institute guidelines as reported by AP and NerdWallet (one visit's cost for regular helpers, one evening for an occasional sitter, a week's pay or more for a nanny, and the dollar ranges for collectors, yard crews, handymen, day care, supers and doormen; a class gift or supplies instead of cash for teachers) and the USPS gift rules as reported by FOX TV Stations (a gift of $20 or less per occasion; no cash or cash equivalents). The default visit prices, the lean and generous settings and the budget scaling are our own; use your real prices.
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Keep the whole season in one place
Tips are one line of December's spending. The Christmas Gift Planner keeps every gift, who it is for, what it cost and whether it is wrapped; the Christmas Planner Bundle adds the card list, Secret Santa and the stockings.
Every gift, who it is for, what it cost and whether it is wrapped.
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Gift list, card list, Secret Santa and stocking stuffers: four Christmas spreadsheets in one.
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More: the free Christmas gift budget calculator, the stocking stuffer budget calculator and the wrapping paper calculator.
Holiday tipping questions
How much should I tip at Christmas?
Etiquette guides from the Emily Post Institute suggest about the cost of one visit for people who come regularly, such as a house cleaner, hairstylist, dog walker or babysitter; about a week's pay for a nanny; and set ranges for others, such as $10 to $30 for trash and recycling collectors and $20 to $50 for yard workers. Match it to the relationship and your budget.
Can I tip my mail carrier?
Not with cash. Under federal rules, USPS carriers may accept a gift worth $20 or less per occasion, and no cash, checks or gift cards that can be used as cash, in any amount. A small gift or homemade treat with a note is the way to thank them.
Should I tip my child's teacher?
Cash is not the custom for teachers. The Emily Post Institute suggests going in with other parents on a class gift, or buying supplies for the classroom.
What if I can't afford to tip everyone?
Thank the people who help you most first, and give what you can. A small gift or something homemade with a handwritten note is a real thank-you. Set a budget above and the calculator scales the amounts to fit.
When should I give holiday tips?
Early, in the first half of December, so the money helps with their own holidays. Fresh bills in a card with a handwritten line make it personal.
Do you store what I type in?
No. Everything is worked out in your browser. Nothing is sent or saved; print the list or copy it before you close the page.