Holiday Tipping Guide: Here’s How Much to Give

If you’re feeling frustrated by the constant prompts to tip, you’re in the majority. According to a recent survey, 65 percent of consumers say they are fed up with tipping—which is up from 60 percent in 2024 and 53 percent in 2023—with 43 percent saying that they are tipping less than usual as a result.

In fact, Americans say they are “guilt tipping” less in 2025, and the numbers back this up: Tip spending has reduced from $453 in 2024 to $283 this year. Nearly half of people say that the increased cost of living has led them to tip less in 2025.

Holiday tipping, however, is less about obligation and more about saying thank you. The list of people to tip—from in-home service providers to rideshare drivers—can sometimes feel endless. “When in doubt, think gratitude, not gratuity,” says etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts. “If someone makes your life smoother, safer or saner, they’ve earned a little holiday cheer.”

No matter your budget, this guide can help you determine how to thank these important people.

Holiday Tipping Guide: Here’s How Much to Give

In-home service providers

People who work in your home regularly are the ones you should prioritize when it comes to holiday tipping. According to a Bankrate survey, the top personal service providers who Americans plan to gift or tip are their housekeepers (57 percent), nanny/childcare providers (55 percent) and landscapers (41 percent). This can also include your pet sitter/walkers, child’s tutors or lesson instructors, handy persons or anyone else who is habitually helping you care for your home and family.

As far as how much to give, typically, the tip for a provider who comes regularly to your home (such as a nanny or house cleaner) should be 5 to 10 percent of their monthly payroll or the equivalent of one service. Cash tips are typically better than gift cards, as they are more usable.

Personal care service providers

People who make you look good, like personal trainers, manicurists and hair stylists, also deserve your thanks this time of year. Depending on how often you see these providers, a holiday tip should be anywhere from 50 percent or more of one session's cost. Don’t forget to give a little extra to your dog’s groomer or your massage therapist this time of year as well if you have a service scheduled around the holidays.

Rideshare and food service providers

From mid-November on, you may find yourself out and about doing your holiday shopping, eating out more often or taking Ubers to and from holiday parties. This is a good time to show extra appreciation for those who are serving you and making your life more convenient.

“When you’re out buying a $9 Frappuccino, that barista deserves a thank-you,” Grotts says. “A little extra kindness—an extra 5 percent—goes further than you think.”

The holidays can be a busy, high-stress time for everyone, especially for service workers, so adding a few dollars to your usual tip can make a big difference, especially for the people who are working extra hours this holiday season.

Postal, city and building service workers

Your postal worker and package delivery drivers will be making more stops than usual at your home this time of year—making this season a good one for showing your thanks. However, there are some strict guidelines you’ll need to follow: The United States Postal Service only allows workers to accept gifts (no cash, checks or gift cards) that are worth less than $20. FedEx employees can accept gifts up to $75, while UPS discourages its drivers from accepting any tips. You can “thank” your Amazon delivery drivers through your Alexa device or online, no tip needed.

If you want to thank your trash collectors or building workers (like doormen or garage attendants), $20 per person is customary. For trash collectors, however, making sure they get those tips can be difficult with timing and weather—putting your tip in a brightly colored envelope and taping it to your trash can is a good way to make sure that your gesture of thanks is visible.

How to budget for holiday tips

The best way to budget for these seasonal gratuities is to treat holiday tips as part of your overall holiday budget. Follow the advice you always hear about holiday shopping: Start early. Make a list of who you would like to thank, and figure out how much you can afford to spend on these gratuities. Planning ahead helps you avoid feeling squeezed when the holiday season is in full swing.

Remember that while cash is king, your tips don’t need to be monetary. If money is tight, you can also pair a smaller tip with a handwritten note or homemade treat—thoughtful gestures still count as ways to give thanks.

Not only is showing appreciation in the form of a tip certainly customary; it’s also the right thing to do. “Tipping fatigue isn’t an excuse for forgetfulness,” Grotts adds. “Let your conscience—not your calculator—be your guide.”