HOLIDAY TIPPING GUIDE... YOU BETTER BREAK A LITTLE SOMETHIN' OFF FOR THE GARBAGE MAN

Who's pulling down big tips this holiday season?

Nannies, personal trainers and even dog walkers could nab tips in the hundreds of dollars... but it's certainly not required.

According to the etiquette experts, "You tip the people who perform services for you year-round, who are there for you when you need them and whom you have a valuable relationship with."

They also said that holiday tipping shouldn't put you in debt. Do what you can, and do it in the nicest way you possibly can.

Tipping experts said that cash is the best way to say happy holidays.

When in doubt, follow the table below.

CHILD CARE
Babysitter: 1 evening's pay + small gift from child
Au pair: 1 week's pay or a gift + small gift from child
Nanny: 1 week's to 1 month's pay + small gift from child
Daycare providers: $20-$70/each + small gift from child
Child's teacher: Gift (but check school's policy to see if it's allowed)
Coaches, tutors, music teachers, ballet instructors, etc: A small gift from the child

HOME/CAR CARE
Housekeeper: 1 week's pay or more (depending on length of service)
Trash collectors: $15-$20 each
Parking attendants: $10-$35 each or up to half a month's parking bill for the group if they regularly provide extra service
Gardener: $20-$50. If the gardener's last job before spring is a fall clean up, it's best to tip in the fall

APARTMENT SERVICE
Doormen: $25-$100 each (those who provide the most service for you should get more than those whom you barely see)
Superintendent/custodian: $50-$300 (tip more if there's no doorman and the service has been particularly attentive, but tip less if you tip throughout the year)
Porters/handymen: $10-$50 each
Elevator operators: $15-$40 each

PERSONAL CARE
Hairdresser: Cost of 1 cut (or $20-$100) if you go frequently + small gift
Manicurist: Cost of 1 session (or $10-$50) + small gift
Personal trainer: $25 up to 1 week's pay (or cost of 1 session)
Massage therapist: $50-$100 or cost of 1 session

PET CARE
Dog groomer: Small gift + 1/4 to 1/2 the cost of 1 session
Dog walker/regular dog sitter: Cost of 1-2 week's pay (as with a nanny, a small gift is optional)

DELIVERY SERVICES
U.S. mail carrier: Gifts under $20
UPS: Company policy discourages drivers from accepting tips, but they can accept something of nominal value. Tipping guides offer $15 as a guideline, but the amount and choice of gift are up to you.
FedEx: Company policy does not permit cash tips, but a gift worth up to $25 is okay.
Paper carrier: $15-$25 for daily delivery ($5-$15 for weekend delivery)

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