As the festive season approaches, the annual dilemma of holiday tipping returns. Should you give a gratuity, and if so, how much is appropriate? A leading etiquette expert has provided a comprehensive guide to navigating this seasonal tradition, emphasising that showing appreciation to those who make your life easier is a key part of the spirit of giving.
Recommended Cash Amounts for Key Service Providers
According to Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, certain individuals who provide regular, personal service should be at the top of your tipping list. For doormen, superintendents, and housekeepers, she recommends a gratuity ranging from £20 to £80, acknowledging their hands-on, relationship-based roles. For others like regular postal carriers or weekly cleaners, a tip between £8 and £40 is suggested.
When it comes to caregivers and nannies, the guidance is more significant. Meier advises giving the equivalent of one week's pay as a festive thank you, reflecting their integral role in family life.
Regional Variations and When a Tip Isn't Obligatory
Meier, a dual American and British citizen trained in London under a former member of the royal household, stresses that tipping etiquette is not universal. The cost of living dramatically influences what is considered appropriate. Someone in London or another major UK city is likely to tip at the higher end of the scale, while someone in a smaller town or rural area may give less, and both are perfectly correct.
She also offers a clear exception to the rule. If you have received minimal service or a genuinely poor experience, a cash tip is not obligatory. However, even in such cases, a kind, handwritten note can be a thoughtful alternative.
Thoughtful Alternatives to Cash
For those who may be financially stretched, the expert assures that heartfelt gestures are still deeply valued. Drawing a parallel to the Friends character Monica Geller, who gifted home-baked cookies, Meier states that handmade gifts or baked goods can be entirely appropriate, especially if you have a personal relationship with the individual.
The core principle, she concludes, is sincerity. Whether it's a monetary gift or a personal token, the act of acknowledging someone's help and kindness throughout the year is what truly matters during the holiday season.
