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Holiday Tipping Guide for the 2023 Season
December 18, 2023
Although finances can be tight during the holidays, tipping serves as a gesture of gratitude for service. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it can be a way to show appreciation for the services you’ve received. In an effort to share some guidelines to practice when holiday tipping, USA Today revealed its perspective on the matter.
Delivery Services
Delivery personnel often battle tough conditions to deliver holiday packages. Generally, tips can come in the form of cash or gift cards, but some companies prohibit tips. Expect to tip personal shoppers and meal delivery services 25% to 30%. USPS allows gift cards worth $20 or less, while UPS and FedEx discourage monetary tips, instead encouraging customers to refer to their gift policies on their respective websites. The tipping policy for Amazon drivers is a bit different. There’s no official policy, but during this season, you can tip $5 via the “thank my driver” program, either by voicing the command to Alexa or searching it on Amazon’s platforms.
Restaurants and Hairdressers
For dining in, it’s appropriate to tip 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill, 10% for buffets, and $1 to $2 per drink. Takeouts don’t usually require a tip unless the order is large or complicated, then consider 10%. Considering the level of effort and time your hairdresser puts into making you look your best, a 20% tip per haircut is recommended by Renae Currey, a stylist with over 25 years of experience. However, for pricier services like extensions and color transformations, where a 20% tip can dramatically increase the total, Currey says that tips are appreciated but not required.
Valet Drivers and Hotel Housekeepers
Standing in the cold, snow, or rain and waiting for cars to park, valet drivers generally deserve a tip of $2 to $5 when the vehicle is returned to you. As for hotel housekeepers, who often deal with some unsavory tasks, the American Hotel & Lodging Association advises guests to tip $1 to $5 per night, with an additional amount at upscale hotels that offer daily cleaning or nightly turndown services.
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