Service Provider
Options
Suggested Amount or Gift
Au pair or live-in nanny
Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well.
One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren).
Regular babysitter
Cash
One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Day care provider
Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren).
A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren).
Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper)
Cash and a personal gift
One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.
Private nurse
Gift
A thoughtful gift from you.
Home health employees
Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency.
A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.)
Housekeeper/Cleaner
Cash and/or a gift
Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
Nursing home employees
A gift (not cash). Check company policy first.
A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
Barber
Cash or gift
Cost of one haircut or a gift.
Beauty salon staff
Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service.
The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you.
Personal trainer
Cash or gift
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Massage therapist
Cash or gift
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Pet groomer
Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year).
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Dog walker
Cash or gift
Up to one week’s pay or a gift.
Personal caregiver
Cash or gift
Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift.
Pool cleaner
Cash or gift
The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
Garage attendants
Cash or small gift
$10-30 or a small gift
Newspaper delivery person
Cash or small gift
$10-30 or a small gift
Mail carrier
Small gift only
See special details below
Package deliverer
Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.)
Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.
Superintendent
Cash or gift
$20-80 or a gift
Doorman
Cash or gift
$15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
Elevator operator
Cash or gift
$15-40 each
Handyman
Cash or gift
$15 to $40
Trash/Recycling collectors
Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service.
$10-30 each
Yard/Garden worker
Cash or gift
$20-50 each
Teachers
Gift (not cash)
A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child.