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Your ultimate holiday tipping guide

U.S. News & World Report

December 8, 2016, 7:00 AM

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Doormen of residential buildings Show your doorman how much you appreciate the service he provides by tipping at least $20 (and up to $100 if he really has your back), says Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas. If your building employs multiple doormen, make sure to tip each the same amount, Gottsman says. (Thinkstock)
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House cleaner If you regularly use the services of a house cleaner, tip the equivalent of one visit. So, if a cleaning session typically costs $100, aim to include an extra $100 around the holidays. (Thinkstock)
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Trash collector Check local restrictions before handing over a holiday tip. If there are none, aim for $10 to $25 per person, Gottsman says. You can gift it in person or drop it off at their headquarters. (Thinkstock)
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Don't forget to tip the babysitter or nanny this Christmas. (Thinkstock)
Babysitter or nanny For your babysitter, tack on an extra check for the equivalent of one night’s visit. Tip the nanny between one week’s and one month’s pay, Gottsman says. Don’t forget to include a gift from your child. (Thinkstock)
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According to a Care.com www.care.com survey, 87 percent of Americans said they will give a holiday tip to at least some service industry workers they regularly do business with this year. Care.com's holiday tip guide recommends paying a hairdresser or barber the cost of a one session. (Thinkstock)
Hair dresser Show your appreciation by tipping your regular hair guru the cost of a single visit. Make it extra special by attaching it to a card or quick note, Post says. (Thinkstock)
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Home health aide Before tipping the staffer who takes such good care of your loved one, check the employer’s corporate gift-giving policy, Gottsman says. If there are no restrictions, consider giving a gift or gift certificate. For a private nurse, anywhere from $50 to a week’s pay is typical, Gottsman says. (Thinkstock)
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Package deliverer Workers for UPS, FedEx and the United States Postal Service typically have limitations on how much they can accept. Stay within that dollar amount or opt for something relatively cheap and heartfelt, such as a homemade gift. (Thinkstock)
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Since Maryland has the vehicle identification numbers of all the cars registered in the state, it will run those numbers through a recall database before sending out renewal notices. (Thinkstock)
Garage attendant If you deal regularly with a garage attendant — and he or she makes your life much easier — consider tipping $10 to $50, Gottsman says. A little note might help mark it as a holiday tip and show your thanks. (Thinkstock)
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Teacher asking her students a question at the elementary school
Your child’s teacher Avoid cash when giving your child’s teacher a year-end gift. Opt instead for a class gift — your teacher may have a classroom wishlist that she shared at the beginning of the year — or pool your funds with other parents for a larger gift certificate. Don’t forget to include something for the teacher’s aide, Gottsman says. (Thinkstock)
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The no-tip list No matter how much you appreciate what they do, you’re not expected to tip your doctor, lawyer, dry cleaner, dentist, boss or co-workers. At best, it’s not necessary. And depending on the recipient, it can look like a bribe. If you really want to show your appreciation, consider bringing in baked goods that can be shared throughout the office. More from U.S. News 10 Creative Ways to Cut Costs This Winter 11 Ways to Save Time and Money 10 Tasty Tips for a Frugal Thanksgiving Your Ultimate Holiday Tipping Guide originally appeared on usnews.com (Thinkstock)
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Don't forget to tip the babysitter or nanny this Christmas. (Thinkstock)
According to a Care.com www.care.com survey, 87 percent of Americans said they will give a holiday tip to at least some service industry workers they regularly do business with this year. Care.com's holiday tip guide recommends paying a hairdresser or barber the cost of a one session. (Thinkstock)
Since Maryland has the vehicle identification numbers of all the cars registered in the state, it will run those numbers through a recall database before sending out renewal notices. (Thinkstock)
Teacher asking her students a question at the elementary school

‘Tis the season for tipping.

Tipping is tough enough on a regular day. But the holidays make it especially confusing. “American tipping has become its own strange monster,” says Lizzie Post, co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. Her advice: “Start with your budget and think about the people who made the biggest difference in your life.” Click through the gallery to see whom to tip — and whom to skip — this holiday season.

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