Tips for holiday tipping

CELINA - Ron Adams, owner and operator of Distinct Images salon in Celina, said he's particularly moved by a client who gives him a restaurant gift card and baked goods at Christmastime.

"She doesn't have a whole lot," he said. "But I know she wants to do it every year. Sometimes those are the best ones (gifts), if they put thought into them.

Like Adams, service industry workers such as waitresses, housekeepers, babysitters and package delivery drivers often continue to work through Christmas festivities.

Tipping these employees a little extra is one way of showing gratitude for their hard work during the holiday season.

But what is a holiday tip? Who should get them, and how much should they receive?

Cathi Fallon, founder and director of The Etiquette Institute of Ohio in Columbus, defined a holiday tip as a token of gratitude for those who have helped out all year long.

Tippers should prioritize professionals who have made the biggest difference in in their lives, Fallon said.

"That is number one," she said. "You don't give it to every John, Dick and Harry. You give it to those who've helped you."

They should also consider how often they've relied on the service provider, she continued.

"Whether it is the person who takes care of your yard, your manicurist, babysitter, these are the people you are going to focus on," she said.

Another factor to consider is the duration of the relationship, she added.

Before checking people off a tip list, customers should set a budget that's right for them, Fallon noted.

"All of us have different budgets," she said. "I think that is really important. You don't want to overextend yourself."

Fallon said if money is tight, baked goods or a note of gratitude are great alternatives.

"It comes from the heart," she said. "It has to come with a 'thank you' note, and it needs to express your thankfulness. If you are strapped for cash, give a card. Hand written notes go so far. Not many people do it."

For those who can afford to give cash as a gift, Fallon recommended giving up to the amount they pay the provider for each week or session of service.

"For example, for a babysitter, I'm probably going to give one typical session that she spends with my kids," Fallon said. "For the person who does your hair, I would do the cost of one service. If you hire a housekeeper, I would pay them an additional one visit."

Stacy Beougher, executive director of Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, said local merchants do not expect tips or gifts. However, giving them an appreciation gift at the holidays is a very kind gesture.

"Businesses that provide services, outside of the restaurant business, would welcome tips for the services provided, and I would assume most would appreciate cash tips," she said.

While tipping is a seemingly win-win exchange of showing gratitude and gift giving, Fallon said some government and delivery workers are unable to accept monetary gifts.

However, some can accept other tips. United States Postal Service workers can accept gifts worth $20 or less. Federal Express workers can accept other gifts up to $75. United Parcel Service (UPS) drivers are encouraged to decline cash tips, but are not barred from accepting them.

Fallon also recommended setting out a basket of bottled water, treats, work socks and child-crafted artwork for delivery drivers to take as they drop off holiday packages.

Individuals can consider a small gift for medical or government workers, but check local and state regulations first.

Fallon also touched on using money transfer apps such as Venmo and Cash App to send a holiday tip.

"You need to add a personalized 'thank you' in the app where they allow you to do it," she said. "For a small town, I probably wouldn't do it. For New York City, it's fine. This is where you need to look at your demographics."

Adams said a holiday gift isn't just an extra tip from a customer, but a token of appreciation from a lifelong friend.

"Maybe they're not social friends that you go out and have dinner with, but they are people that are your friends," he said. "They are more than just someone that comes and spends money with you. You've seen their kids grow, you've seen the things they went through. Maybe they went through the loss of loved ones, maybe they went through divorces … just life experiences."

Giving a little extra during the holidays is the kind thing to do.

"Treat somebody the way you'd want to be treated," he said.