Everyone You Should Be Tipping This Holiday Season

While tipping is always thoughtful gesture, the holiday season is an especially important time to give generously to those who help make our lives easier. That said, the number of people you plan to tip can add up quickly, so it's a good idea to make a list and budget accordingly. Holiday tipping may seem like a lot at once, but as little as 5 or 10 dollars extra makes a big difference in showing your appreciation, especially at this time of year. To help you figure out who to tip and how much to give, use this handy holiday tipping guide.

These hard working citizens have an important job, and it's a good idea to stay in their good graces if you value your mail. A small amount, around $10,  is totally acceptable along with a nice card, though you may be inclined to give more to longtime mail carriers you've known for years than a brand new person on your route.

If you get a lot of packages -- and who doesn't in today's world of online shopping -- a few dollars around the holidays can go a long way. A token of appreciation once a year can translate into smooth delivery and pick up of packaged all year long. Around $25 is a good starting point for those who are avid online shoppers. 

A general rule of thumb is to tip your building's door attendant based on the months you've been there during the year, so if you moved into the building in September, it's reasonable to tip for four months only. There's often more than one door attendant, and it's polite to give to all of them, even the ones you don't often see because of scheduling. Feel free to give the same amount to everyone, or a little extra to those who you interact with more often or who accept the majority of your packages.

Throwing a little extra to the person who helps you put dinner on the table is a way of extending the love that goes into the food. It's also a way to get in line for the best cuts of meat, or some extra soup bones, throughout the winter. Plan to drop at least an extra $10-$20. 

Having a good relationship with your fish purveyor is especially important if you eat a lot of seafood. If you tip them throughout the year after every purchase you can go light on an end of year tip, or even skip it altogether, but if you don't really tip throughout the year now is the time to show your appreciation. Similar to the butcher, $10-$20 on the low end is a nice gesture. 

Cleaning houses is tough work, and it's not always the same amount of work. Sometimes it's a little more or less, and good housecleaner goes the extra mile to make sure everything is clean and tidy no matter what. It's customary to give up to one week's pay as a yearly tip, but anything extra is better than nothing.

Finding someone who loves your furry friends as much as you do is pretty priceless, and good people tend to get overbooked. Setting aside a little something extra at the end of the year, starting around $25, for those who care for your pets when you're not around is much easier than having to constantly find new people.

Taking care of kids is tough work -- so tough, in fact, that most people need help in order to manage their jobs and lifestyles. One week's pay is a generous amount for a full time babysitter, while an extra $20 from the occasional sitter around the holidays is an equally nice gesture. 

It's easy to forget about your building super until you need something fixed. Keep yourself on their list of thoughtful residents by offering a generous tip once a year; it could help ensure your unit gets serviced quickly and efficiently, or other perks like first dibs on new units. $100 is considered the customary amount, which is less than $10 per month.

The porters are the ones who sweep and mop when no one is looking, and empty out the trash that magically disappears down the shoot. Just because you may not see them on a day-to-day basis, don't forget about all their hard work that contributes to daily quality of life. $20 for an entire year of service is less than $2 per month and makes a big difference. 

In a big city this is not so common, but in the suburbs you may have the same garbage collectors for years. Many people have run down the driveway, garbage and recycle bin in tow as the truck pulls up. And just like the the workers give a few extra minutes to make life easier for homeowners, homeowners give them something extra, starting at around $20.  

Hair stylists, nail specialists and waxers alike all take on your personal hygiene on a regular basis, and likely for a good price. Give at least as much as you would normally tip on a service -- anywhere from $5 to $20 or more depending on the service -- as an extra holiday bonus on top of what you're tipping for that particular day.

Most gardeners and landscapers do their jobs, in part, as a labor of love and are truly passionate about their craft, which translates into beautifully kept grounds. Especially if they updated a significant portion of land, or have been part of your service family for years, it's appropriate to tip $25 and up.

If your paper arrives every morning consistently, regardless of snow, rain, wind, heat or cold, you should find a few extra dollars for the delivery person. While it may not be a young boy on a bike these days, the person is worthy of recognition after each year of hard work. An extra $20 around the holidays is a gesture they will remember. 

Those who rely on a handyman/woman to do a lot of various tasks throughout the year should tip them, especially if a tip is not given after each service rendered. You don't necessarily have to tip if you've only used someone's services once or twice throughout the year. If you're a regular customer, tip at least $30.

People have all sorts of relationships with their cars, and many spend a lot of time and money with their mechanic to keep their cars in ideal condition. If your mechanic loves your car as much as you do, and genuinely takes good care of it, showing a little extra love around the holidays will keep the relationship healthy all around. Depending on how much time you spend at the garage, anywhere from $25-$100 is a nice tip. 

Trusting people with your special garments can be difficult, so think of tipping your trusty dry cleaners as a little bit of extra insurance that they will take good care of your clothes. If they are also your tailor and alterations shop, a holiday tip of at least $20 can ensure they always have room to squeeze in your last-minute job. If you tip all year long, there's not need to give a lot extra.

Taking care of multiple children all day long is labor intensive. Think of your holiday tip as a small fund for these hard working adults to use on an indulgent treat for themselves that helps keep them energetic for the kids. Tip them one day's pay, or a minimum of $30. 

Nurses and personal caregivers are among the most selfless people, and too often times, the lowest paid professionals. A small token of appreciation can go a long way toward acknowledging how often they go above and beyond. In general people tip up to one week's pay, but even $50 is a thoughtful gesture. 

The people who take care of loved ones on a day to day basis are often out of sight, but actually so important. Just like any other service people, they deserve tips on a regular basis, so if you give once a year, remember that it's for the entire year and give at least $5 per month.