Dear Jacquelyn, The holidays are coming at us quickly and I always get confused about whom I should be tipping who normally does not get tips during the year. Also, how much should I be tipping so that I don’t look like a Scrooge and at the same time not blow my own holiday budget?

Dear Reader,

Good for you: planning early.

Planning your holiday budget early to include tipping won’t leave you scrounging for money at the very last moment. As the end-of year tipping season approaches, figuring out who to tip and how much can be tricky. You will want to include those who provide outstanding, loyal service, and help you throughout the year.

There is quite a long list of individuals who would be considered customary to tip. When determining who to tip, start with people who help you care for your family, yourself, and your home.

Determining how much to tip depends on several factors, including how long you’ve used someone’s services, how important the service is to your life and where you live.

Tipping tends to be higher in larger cities. It is also important to try, if possible, to tip early in the month so that the recipient can use it for the holidays.

Providing non-monetary gifts is also a gracious way to say thank-you. Consider a homemade gift with a handwritten note of thanks.

The following are my suggestions:

Babysitters -- Tip the average amount of what you normally pay them for one evening’s care.

Housecleaner – Tip one week’s pay.

Hairdresser-Barber – Tip should equal the average amount you spend in one visit.

Caregiver – One week to one month’s salary.

Manicurist – Tip the cost of one session.

Pet walker-Groomer – Tip up to one week’s pay.

Personal trainer – Tip up to the cost of one session.

Yard-garden worker – Suggested amount $20-$50.

After-school dance instructor, little league coach, art teacher – $25.

Show appreciation to a teacher with a small gift. Avoid cash.

The point of tipping is to show our gratitude. “Gratuity” comes from the Latin root-gratus, meaning grateful.

Make sure to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” and always accompany gifts and tips with a handwritten note of appreciation.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation. All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2018 Jacquelyn Youst