Holiday tipping in the US follows a specific logic: the people you see regularly who provide personal service to you or your household are the ones who genuinely appreciate a year-end tip. Here's who that includes and what's appropriate.
Personal Service Providers (Most Expected)
- Hair stylist / colorist: Cost of one service, or $25–$100. This is the most widely cited holiday tipping norm for personal care providers. See: Hair stylist tip calculator
- Barber: $25–$50 or cost of one cut
- Nail technician: $25–$50 or cost of one service
- Massage therapist: $25–$50 or cost of one session
- Dog groomer: $25–$50 or cost of one grooming. See: Dog groomer calculator
Household Service Providers (Strongly Expected)
- House cleaner: Cost of one cleaning session. For a $150/visit cleaner, that means $150. Calculator →
- Nanny / au pair: One to two weeks' pay — the most significant holiday tip in American households
- Babysitter: One session's pay, plus a small gift
- Lawn care / landscaping (regular): $25–$50 per person on the regular crew
- Pool cleaner (regular): $25–$50
Delivery and Building Staff
- Building doorman / concierge: $25–$150 depending on building type and how often they've helped you
- Building superintendent: $25–$75
- Regular UPS / FedEx driver: $10–$20 cash
- USPS mail carrier: Gift only (no cash) — $10–$20 gift card or baked goods. Federal law prohibits cash tips for postal workers.
- Newspaper carrier: $25–$50 cash in envelope
Children's Services
- Teacher: $10–$25 gift card, or participate in a class gift. Cash tips to teachers can feel uncomfortable — gift cards are preferred.
- Daycare workers: $25–$75 per primary caregiver, or a class gift
- School bus driver: $10–$25 gift card
- Tutor: $25–$50 or cost of one session
Who Doesn't Expect a Holiday Tip
- Doctors, dentists, and medical professionals (can be seen as inappropriate)
- Lawyers and accountants (send a card)
- Plumbers, electricians, and tradespeople you call occasionally (not expected)
- Mechanics (not expected)
- Teachers in private schools (check school policy — many prohibit cash)
See our full guide to who to tip and who doesn't need one: