Random Nonfiction

16 People You Should Tip for the Holidays

Giving a little extra around the holiday season is a nice way to show you care, and to get on someone's good side.

The holiday season is prime time to give back to the people who make your life easier throughout the year. But be sure not to bust your budget by giving too much or tipping unnecessarily. Read through to find out who might expect a tip and how much green you should tuck into each card — as well as who might be unable, unhappy or unwilling to accept the cash.

Even if tips or gifts don't fit into your budget, you should express your gratitude in other ways. Lizzie Post, author and spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute, suggests sending a letter to, say, your cleaning person's supervisor commending her work. Or you could use your talents and skills as currency, says Mary M. Mitchell, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Etiquette. Mitchell herself once gave a lesson in dining etiquette instead of a tip or gift.

For service providers you don't see every day, such as taxi drivers and restaurant servers, bumping up your tip on holidays such as Christmas or New Year's Eve is encouraged, says Jodi R.R. Smith, president of etiquette consultant Mannersmith. However, don't feel the need to tip more than usual if you are already being charged a holiday premium.

Being generous can benefit you, too. Your hairdresser would never intentionally botch your dye job if you skip a holiday tip, but she might be more inclined to squeeze you in at the last minute if you treat her well. "We work better when we know someone appreciates us," says Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

Your Mail Carrier

Suggested Tip: A gift worth as much as $20

The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash, checks or gift cards that can be used like credit cards. Any gifts must be under $20 in value, and you can't give your mail carrier more than $50 worth of gifts in one calendar year. Acceptable gifts include store or restaurant gift cards that can't be exchanged for cash, or a basket of fruit, nuts or chocolates that could serve as an off-duty snack.

If package deliverers from UPS and FedEx bring you cheer throughout the year (who doesn't love getting boxes at the door?), consider offering a token of your appreciation during the holiday season. UPS discourages, but doesn't prohibit, drivers from accepting tips. Avoid putting the driver in an awkward position with cash; instead, offer, say, baked goods, warm socks or some other small gift.

FedEx allows its workers to accept gifts worth up to $75. Cash and gift cards are not permitted.

Your Newspaper-Delivery Person