The holiday season is the perfect time of year to not only purchase gifts for those special family members and friends in your life, but it also provides a great opportunity to thank those individuals that provide you their services through out the year.

It is important to remember that holiday gift giving and tipping is a great way to say thank-you to those that help make your life better all year.

Your budget should be the first priority when deciding how much you tip this season. You should also consider how much you use the person’s services during the year and how close your relationship with that person is. If you are unable to afford to tip everyone that has helped you, another choice is to give them a small gift of baked goods – or even providing a hand written card, thanking them for their continued services.

The following is a list of the top individuals that you should remember to give a gift to or tip this holiday –

~ Boss. It is not expected for you to give your boss money or an expensive gift for Christmas. Baked goods provide a great token of your appreciation – or start a gift pool with colleagues to donate towards a community gift.

~ Co-Workers. Give something small that your colleagues will use. Some ideas are picture frames, coffee mugs, office supplies, calendars or gift cards for a local restaurant or coffee shop.

~ Assistant. If a bonus is not something that you feel necessary, give your assistant a gift card.

~ House Keeper. Cash up to one week’s pay.

~ Nanny or Day Car Provider. $50.00

~ Child’s Teacher. Avoid giving cash. The best idea is to give a gift card to a supply store so that the teacher can purchase items for the classroom.

~ Babysitter. Cash in the amount of one night’s services.

~ Personal Trainer. Cash in the amount of one training session.

~ Pet Groomer. Cash in the amount of one visit. Usually between $20 and $50.00.

~ Dog Walker. Cash in the amount of one week’s pay.

~ Garage Attendant. Between $10 – $30.00.

~ Doorman. Between $20 and $50.00.

~ Elevator Operator. $10 – $30.00.

~ Landlord or Building Manager. $50.00.

~ Handyman. Between $20 and $100.00, depending on how much you have utilized their services this year.

~ Barber. Cash in the amount of one cut.

~ Hair Stylist. $10 – $50.00. And don’t forget to give the shampoo girl a token of appreciation too. These individuals should receive $10 – $20.00 for their services.

~ Housekeeper. Cash the equivalent to one week’s pay.

~ Trash Collector. $10 – $30.00.

~ Pool Maintenance Man or Lawn Care Worker. Between $20 – $50.00 each.

~ Newspaper Deliverer. Between $10 – $30.00.

~ Package Delivery Man. Either offer a small gift or $20.00.

~ Mail Carrier. The USPS has restrictions on allowing their carriers to accept monetary donations during the holiday season. For these individuals, the best gifts are baked goods and cards.

Although this list may seem long, remember that these individuals have offered their services all year long, and have made your life run smoother. The holidays are the time to give them each a token of your appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication that they have provided, showing your respect and appreciation toward them.