Tipping this holiday season: etiquette expert outlines who to tip and how much

Etiquette expert Myka Meier says the holiday season remains a time to show appreciation with gratuities for those who make daily life easier, but the amount and recipients vary by role and city. Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, told Daily Mail that tipping should reflect the level of service and local cost of living, and that there is no single standard that fits every situation.

Meier lays out several target groups and suggested ranges. For doormen, superintendents, and housekeepers, she recommends anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on the level of service and the property. For mail carriers and weekly help, the range can be smaller, between $10 and $50. Caregivers and nannies are given a higher benchmark: one week’s pay. She notes that doormen often provide daily, highly personal service—from opening doors and accepting packages to helping with guest arrivals and even security—so their tipping range tends to be higher, though she cautions that geography matters. "Cost of living absolutely matters," Meier told the Daily Mail. "Someone tipping in Ohio is likely giving a much different amount than someone in NYC. Tipping etiquette is not one-size-fits-all.".

The etiquette expert also advises that practical realities can shape tipping behavior. While cash remains the most appreciated form of gratuity, a thoughtful gesture such as baked goods or a handwritten note can be appropriate when cash is tight or when the tipping recipient is someone you know well. Meier says the emphasis should be on sincerity and consideration of the recipient’s circumstances, rather than rigidly following a prescribed amount. "Definitely increase their tip" for delivery drivers who handle a high volume of packages, she adds, but she cautions that not every driver warrants a large cash tip if the service was minimal or inconsistent; a kind word can still convey appreciation in lieu of money.

Longevity and interaction also influence how much to tip. Meier suggests that the longer someone has supported you or your family—perhaps helping with children or going above and beyond—the more appropriate it is for the tip to grow over time. She frames tipping as a way to acknowledge both the role and the relationship, rather than simply rewarding the work performed on a given day.

Beyond individual households, Meier notes that tipping norms shift with geography and lifestyle. In metropolitan areas with higher living costs, tip amounts may trend higher than in smaller towns or suburbs. The broader message, she says, is case-by-case judgment that balances generosity with personal finances and cultural expectations. The season’s spirit of giving, she says, is best expressed through thoughtful, meaningful gestures tailored to the recipient and the local context.

In sum, experts emphasize a practical, flexible approach during the holidays. Recipients include doormen, superintendents, housekeepers, mail carriers, weekly helpers, caregivers, and nannies, with a general framework that ranges from $10 to $100 for most roles, and up to a week’s pay for caregivers and more in appropriate circumstances. When cash isn’t feasible, a sincere note or a batch of homemade treats may suffice. The overarching principle remains straightforward: acknowledge the person’s contributions and the relationship, and adapt the gesture to the local context and personal means. As Meier puts it, generosity this time of year is driven by sincerity and thoughtfulness toward the people who make daily life easier.