The list below contains our recommendations for holiday thanking, or holiday tipping. These are not rules. Remember that averages and ranges can vary based on the type of establishment, regional customs, and your own budget. You never have to give cash and a gift, except in a few cases, such as when your child may give a gift to a babysitter in addition to your tip or thank-you. (Read more on the difference between a holiday tip and a holiday gift.) We understand that some people aren’t comfortable picking out gifts for those they don’t know well so there are cash amounts listed below, as a suggestion only for your holiday tipping.
Service Provider & Suggested Gift or Tip
Au pair or live-in nanny
Options: Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well.
Suggested Amount or Gift: Up to one week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren).
Regular babysitter
Options: Cash
Suggested Amount or Gift: Up to one evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Day care provider
Options: Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren).
Suggested Amount or Gift: A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member who works with your child(ren) and a small gift from your child(ren).
Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper)
Options: Cash and a personal gift
Suggested Amount or Gift: Up to one week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.
Private nurse
Options: Gift
Suggested Amount or Gift: A thoughtful gift from you.
Home health employees
Options: Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency.
Suggested Amount or Gift: A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.)
Housekeeper/Cleaner
Options: Cash and/or a gift
Suggested Amount or Gift: Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
Nursing home employees
Options: A gift (not cash). Check company policy first.
Suggested Amount or Gift: A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
SOURCE: Emily Post
