Monetary Gifts During the Holidays – Housekeepers, Hair Stylists, and More

One of the truest signs of grace and refinement is how you treat those that work for and around you. Christmas is the traditional time to do year-end thanking  to our housekeepers, nail technicians, hair stylists and more. But sometimes we don’t know what’s appropriate or enough. So I’ve put together a little guide that will help you remember all those who help you throughout the year.

I always defer to Emily Post for proper etiquette on topics like this. She has a comprehensive chart of suggested amounts for monetary gifts during the holidays, but I summarized them below to make it a bit easier. Again, these are just suggested amounts to use as a guideline for those that want to give monetary gifts.

Note: UPS and FedEx prohibit employees from accepting cash gifts.

A good rule of thumb is to give an amount equal to one week’s pay or one visit. And note the restrictions on mail carriers.

For the people that I know well, in addition to giving a check, sometimes I also like to give a small gift. Something to make the gesture more thoughtful and sincere. Maybe it’s beautiful soaps, lotion, or a candle. Or perhaps it’s a little something from a store I know they love.  Or maybe I’ll buy them something I know they might not buy for themselves but would really enjoy. (Be sure to browse my DoSayGive Holiday Gift Guide for ideas!)

And although checks and gifts are certainly appreciated, I always think it kind to write a nice note, or even just say a few words of gratitude, to present with your gift, particularly to those who are very close to your family. We all know the satisfaction that comes with being praised or appreciated and by bosses and we should do the same for those that work hard to help us with our homes and/or our children.

So as you buy wonderful gifts for your family and friends this holiday season, be sure to extend the same giving heart to those who help you throughout the year. Many of us are so blessed so giving a little extra to during the holidays is a way we can bring blessings to others. Maybe even tip your waiter a little bit more this season or do something a little extra to spread the Christmas spirit!

Would love your thoughts below and please “Share” on Facebook if you enjoyed this post and think your friends will, too.

Update: Don’t miss my Guide to Last Minute Holiday Shopping and Sales – some amazing deals and all the shipping cutoff dates you need to know. You can avoid the malls at all cost with this post, trust me!

Happy Giving!

 

 

 

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.–W. C. Jones

 

 

Source:

Monetary Guidelines: EmilyPost.com

Packaging: The Container Store

Photo: Megan-Mueller Weaver