Holiday Tipping Calculator

Check off the people who are part of your year, and get customary US holiday-tip amounts for each — every number editable, with a budget splitter and a printable envelope checklist. Remember: tipping is a thank-you, not a tax. Adjust to your relationship and budget, or skip — a handwritten note is always appropriate. Everything runs in your browser; your numbers are saved locally and never uploaded.

Who's on your list?

Working to a budget? (optional)

Total holiday tip budget ($)

Your plan

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Check the people you'd like to thank to begin.

Envelope & gift checklist

Rows marked “gift — not cash” are people who can't accept money: pick a gift up to the noted value instead. A short handwritten note makes any envelope warmer — and is a perfectly good stand-in for one.

Who do you tip for the holidays — and how much?

Rough US conventions: building super $75–$175, doorman $25–$150, porter or handyman $20–$30, nanny one week's pay, regular babysitter one evening's pay, housekeeper the cost of one visit, dog walker one week's cost, gardener $20–$50, trash collectors $10–$30 each, newspaper carrier $10–$30, hair stylist the cost of one visit, and personal trainer the cost of one session. Teachers and USPS mail carriers are the two big exceptions — gifts only, never cash (details below). None of this is a rule: give what your relationship and budget genuinely support.

Do amounts change by region?

Yes, a lot. Big cities — New York especially — skew toward the top of every range, and buildings with large staffs often circulate a shared pool instead. Suburban and rural norms sit lower, and in many places holiday tipping beyond a card simply isn't expected. The presets here are mid-range national conventions; treat them as a starting point, not a bill.

Cash or a gift?

For most service professionals, cash (or a check) in a card is the norm — it's flexible and never the wrong size. A thoughtful gift is equally welcome where you know the person well. The exceptions run the other way: teachers and mail carriers should get gifts, never cash.

What are the rules for USPS mail carriers?

Federal ethics rules are strict: USPS employees may accept gifts worth $20 or less per occasion, and may never accept cash, checks, or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash — they're required to decline them. A small gift, baked goods, or a store-specific gift card under $20 is fine. See the USPS employee tipping and gift policy.

What about kids' teachers?

Small gift only — never cash. Many districts and several states cap the value a teacher may accept, commonly around $20–$50 (Massachusetts, for example, sets a $50 limit by law). A class group gift, a store gift card within the cap, or a sincere note from your child are all ideal. Check your school's policy first.

Do my numbers get uploaded?

No. The page is fully client-side; your list is stored only in your browser's localStorage.

Are there affiliate links on this page?

No — this page currently has no affiliate relationships, sponsorships, or paid placements. The links above go to official sources only.