Chances are, we’ve all been working hard this year.
We’ve given it our best, maybe worked more overtime than we had planned on and now are quietly hoping that there may be a little bonus for making it around the sun one more time — and doing our jobs well along the way.
The holidays and the New Year are times when it’s important to enjoy the gifts we get — and share our prosperity with those around us.
But many of us struggle to decide who gets what and how much. Why? Because it all adds up, and many of us have a lot of people to buy for and household budgets to consider.
So let’s look first at some general guidelines to giving — and then a list of workers who you might consider buying a gift for.
Being Generous Within Your Budget
Any financial adviser would tell you to remember to stay within your budget. Don’t buy gifts you can’t afford.
That said, almost everyone can afford to show appreciation to the mail carriers, waste disposal workers and service providers who are a regular part of our lives — whether we interact with them or not.
For those of us on tight budgets, consider buying a box of inexpensive, but thoughtful holiday cards. If you can, consider buying a few gift cards or reserving a small amount of cash to tuck in there for the service providers you feel inclined to reward. Even a simple $5 gift can lift someone’s spirits and provide them with a little more flexibility in their lives.
For those of us who have a little more disposable income, consider buying cards and gift cards or have cash on hand. Typically, service workers can accept up to $20 in cash — although it’s best to inquire about gift policies when you’re in doubt.
For example, the City of Austin prohibits employees from accepting gifts. So be mindful of that if you decide to give something to your trash collection team or water meter reader.
The United States Postal Service, meanwhile, can accept gifts worth $20 or less. But they can’t accept cash or cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards, in any amount.
Make Your List and Check it Twice
Opinions on which service providers to give a gift to and how valuable that gift should be vary from person to person. And that decision really comes down to what you can afford and who you feel deserves a holiday gift.
Here are a few to consider:
- Mail carrier: Remember, USPS policy says workers can only accept gifts worth up to $20, and they cannot accept cash. Consider giving a retail gift card for $20 or less that can’t be converted to cash or a simple gift, such as a bag of gourmet coffee.
- Trash collectors: The City of Austin prohibits employees from accepting any gifts.
- Housekeepers: Consider a gift or cash tip, especially if they’re taking on extra responsibilities in preparation for holiday gatherings. Consider the equivalent of one cleaning session.
- Newspaper delivery: The Austin American-Statesman, like many newspapers around the country, include an envelope with your newspaper delivery person’s name and address, in case you’d like to send a gift. Those envelopes typically arrive the week before Christmas.
- Doorman: If you have a doorman, consider giving a holiday gift worth around $20, depending on your budget and the services and interaction you have.
- Child care providers: Consider checking their policy on gifts. But, generally, try to get a substantial gift of some kind. This Kiplinger article suggests $25 to $70.
- Babysitters: Consider tipping about one night’s pay, depending on how regularly you request services and your relationship with your babysitter.
- Teachers: A small, non-monetary gift is appropriate. Teachers are usually prohibited from accepting cash gifts.
- Hairstylists, personal trainers, landscapers, dog walkers and other service workers: Consider tipping them an amount roughly equivalent to what you pay them for one session of service if you have a long-standing relation with them.