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Many thanks: A guide to holiday gifting for the people who keep our lives running smoothly - Albuquerque Journal

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — There are a lot of people who keep our lives running smoothly and the holidays provide the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

Restaurants are a given but how about the mail carrier, housekeeper and others? Why do we tip during this time of year? Local etiquette expert Thelma Domenici weighs in on the subject.

“First, I wouldn’t call it a tip,” she said. “That’s not what it is. I would call it a holiday remembrance. These are people we want to remember at the holidays because a lot of times they are not remembered.”

She said the gifts and cash are a way to show appreciation for what people do year round that makes every day life easier.

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However, not all thank you’s should be created equal.

For instance, a gift for a teacher might not be appropriate for the dog walker.

When it comes to holiday gifting, there are nuances and social boundaries to consider.

According to the Emily Post Etiquette website, there are many factors to consider when deciding how to gift or tip during the holiday season for those who provide year-long services.

The most important factor to consider before even deciding what to buy, is how much one can spend. Set a budget and stick to it. Homemade gifts and even a handwritten note are inexpensive ways to say thank you for those on a tight budget.

Other factors to consider:

• The quality and frequency of the service. You can give a moderate tip or small gift to someone you tip all year.

• Tipping averages in the area. Bigger cities may require larger percentage tips.

• Length of service.

• Relationship to the service worker.

• Cultural traditions.

Ultimately, the type of service provided will dictate what type of gift – monetary or otherwise – you decide to give this person.

Some additional things to consider, leave a larger than normal tip for bartenders and wait staff you see on a regular basis all year.

Emily Post says any gift should include a note with two or three sentences expressing gratitude. And, as always, use common sense when picking out a gift or giving cash.

Below are suggestions for appropriate gifts.

Caregivers

Live-in nanny: A bonus up to a week’s pay and/or a gift from the children

Regular babysitter: Cash equal to one session, and/or a small, personal gift from the children.

Day-care provider: Give each staff member who is working closely with the children a small gift from the kids ranging from $10 to $30.

Personal caregiver: Up to a month’s salary or a gift.

Child’s teacher: Something personal from the child, such as a note or homemade gift. Thoughtful, yet affordable gifts, from parents include water bottle, pleasant smelling hand sanitizer, small potted succulents, coffee, bookmarks, warm gloves, lotions, scented candles, bath treats and nice felt-tip pens.

On the home front

Housekeeper: $50 to $60 or one day’s pay. Gift cards and gift bags are also an alternative.

Live-in help: One week’s to one month’s pay and a personal gift.

Regular handyman: $15 to $40.

Gardener: $20 to $50

Beauty helpers

Barber: Cash equal to one haircut or a gift.

Hairstylist: $20 or 15% to 20% of the bill.

Nail technician: Cost of one session.

Personal Trainer: Cash equal to one session or a gift.

Massage therapist: Cash equal to one session or a gift.

Delivery people

Newspaper carrier: $10 to $30 or a gift.

Mail carrier: Small gifts only. There are regulations that prohibit carriers from taking cash, checks, gift cards and gifts worth more than $20.

Help with furry friends

Pet groomer: Up to the cost of a session or a gift.

Dog walker: Cash equal to one-session or a gift with equivalent value.

Source: emilypost.com, care.com, rd.com

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Many thanks: A guide to holiday gifting for the people who keep our lives running smoothly - Albuquerque Journal
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