Rules For Tipping This Holiday Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - With the holiday season in full swing, now is the time to show thanks to all the people who help you out throughout the year and that holiday tip list can get pretty long-- and costly.

Andrea Picklesimer was shocked when she recently moved to Manhattan.

"I was like wow, that's nice. I wish I was getting holiday tips," Picklesimer said.

Etiquette expert Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick says you want to remember those who make your life easier throughout the year.

"Your hairstylist, your manicurist, your dog walker, your babysitter," she said.

And there's a big range in giving. Napier-Fitzpatrick says a building superintendent normally gets anywhere from $50 to $200, sanitation worker about $25, hair stylist about the cost of one visit and your babysitter about one week's pay.

"Generally I think a monetary gift is much more appreciated these days than another piece of jewelry or another scarf," Westchester resident Audrey Feller said.

Now when it comes to your mail carrier, they're not allowed to accept cash, but you can give them a gift worth up to $20.

There can also be restrictions when it comes to teachers so check with the school; parents often work together to give a class gift.

Whatever you give, make sure you include a personal, handwritten note. And if you're going with cash, ask your bank teller for crisp new bills.

If it's been a tough year financially and you're not able to give as large a tip as years past, Napier-Fitzpatrick says don't worry.

"Still send them a thank you note and let them know that you really appreciate their service and perhaps give it to them with a bottle of champagne, a box of fudge, candy," she said.

More than anything, it's really about the effort you make to show how grateful you are.

As far as when to tip, the time is now. Those who do receive the tips rely on the money they get.

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