The Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Tipping
"Holiday tipping can feel very stressful, but it shouldn't," says Lizzie Post, the etiquette expert and great-great granddaughter of Emily Post. "It's just about saying thank you." Here, she shares her advice for giving (and getting) graciously.
DO:
Consider your holiday budget. If you're not able to do more then simply write a note, thanking a person for their help over the last year.
Give what you feel comfortable giving. "Some people don't feel comfortable giving cash, and therefore it's okay to give a gift," Post says. "It can be a very nice personal touch."
Send a thank-you card when you receive a tip. It lets the giver know that it didn't get lost.
More: 4 Rules for Being a Good Holiday Houseguest
DON'T:
Leave a tip somewhere that someone else could accidentally pick it up, such as taped to an outside door.
Tip your postal worker. Per postal regulations, they can't accept cash or gift cards. "I suggest giving something that the whole branch can enjoy, such as a box of cookies," she says.
Turn your nose up if you receive holiday candy and not cash. Accept gifts with the same generosity with which they were given.
Wait too long to cash a check. You don't want to affect the giver's account balancing.
Give wine if you're not sure if the person enjoys it or not.
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