Tipping For The Holidays: Who To Gift And How Much?

The holidays are the time of year to share your love and appreciation to the most important people in your life. For many, that includes those people who provide support and services throughout the year. From your favorite babysitter, housekeeper or the hair stylist who always gets your cut just the way you like it, a tip - enclosed in an envelope with a handwritten note - is sure to be appreciated.

But how do you know how much to tip?

Holiday tips will vary according to your means, the city in which you live and the type of relationship that you have with the person being tipped. That being said, here are some general guidelines for a few of the outstanding individuals who might be on your list:

* Newspaper person: $15-$25 for daily, $5-$15 for weekend
* Doorman: $25-$100
* Building Custodian: $20-$30
* Building Superintendent: $30-$100 depending on building
* Housekeeper: A week's pay or more
* Babysitter: Two nights pay, or a small gift
* Hair stylist: The cost of a session, plus a small gift
* Personal Trainer: $50
* Parking Attendants: A half-month's garage rate divided among attendants; or $10-$20 per person

If giving cash doesn't feel quite right, is too formal, or policy prohibits it, why not give a small gift? Of course, the challenge of finding a gift for someone you might just know professionally or see only occasionally is you might not know what one item they would appreciate most.

Gift certificates are a versatile and personal way to show your thanks. And while the USPS does have a policy against monetary gifts to postal carriers, nobody said that you can't put a gift certificate in the mailbox. But how do you decide from which store to buy their certificate?

Imagine giving a gift certificate where your recipient can choose the store! GiftCertificates.com offers a SuperCertificate® that lets the person receiving your gift pick from over 200 top stores, restaurants, spas, jewelers and more. It's the gift that's always appreciated because it also gives the gift of choice.

Other people who might enjoy a SuperCertificate® include:

* Teachers
* School Crossing Guard
* Mail carrier (USPS Policy: "Cash equivalent can't exceed $20")
* Co-workers
* Your Administrative Assistant

By giving the gift of choice, you can make the holidays shine bright for someone special with your goodwill. Those who work so hard all year to make you smile are sure to appreciate and remember your generosity.

9 Tips to Selecting the Perfect Gift

Copyright 2006 Pat Brill

Do you struggle to find great gift ideas? Are you stuck without a gift at the last minute? I understand your frustration and am here to help! I've put together 9 tips to help you select the perfect gift. So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and start shopping!

1. Relax: Stress only make matters worse. Stop and take a deep breath before starting. It will help you refocus and reenergize! You can have fun researching and selecting a gift.

2. Think about the recipient: Ask yourself what makes this person happy. What are their hobbies and interests? Have they mentioned something they needed or wanted? A gift is a special treat to the receiver, so take the time to think about the person.

3. Seek outside help: Don’t be afraid to talk to the people who know the recipient best. They’re likely to have great suggestions. Great ideas come from everywhere. They would probably enjoy brainstorming with you for that perfect gift.

4. Ask why: The gift you choose should match the occasion. You don’t give a food processor on Valentines Day. Find something personal that says you are thinking of them.

5. Set your budget: It’s important to know ahead of time how much you want to spend. As you search for your gift, you can select gifts within your price range. Websites provide gift ideas within price ranges to make it easier to stay within your budget.

6. Go surfing: Shop on your time while relaxing at home. The Web offers a wide range of choices and gift ideas to match the person’s interests. Find a gift idea service to make it even easier.

7. Dress it up: If you decide to purchase a gift certificate, gift baskets, subscription or money, add a special note, or wrap it in an unusual way. Have fun dressing up your gift.

8. Get personal: If you have time, a personalized gift tells the person that you thought ahead of time to find a gift just for them. Personalized gifts are always fun to receive.

9. Stick with the staples: If you don’t know the person well or are going to someone’s home for the first time, traditional gifts of wine, food, candles, flowers, coffees or teas are foolproof.

I hope these 9 tips will help make your next gift a perfect 10! Feel free to share this with others, so they can also benefit.