The Keys You Must Know For Proper Holiday Tipping

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When it comes to holiday tipping, Tis' the Season to be generous and most of the folks Eyewitness News spoke to at 30th Street Station seemed to agree.

"I think tipping is crucial," said Ryan Huehne of Washington, DC.

"It's nice to show people around you that you appreciate what they're doing," said Margaret Starke of Devon.

But, sometimes it's hard to keep up.

"I don't know who to tip anymore," admitted Jaime Potter of Philly.

That's why the Emily Post Institute published this holiday tipping guide, a list that includes ongoing service providers including your pet-groomer and pool cleaner.

"It feels like a lot," said Potter.

Huehne countered, "If you have all of those services, you can afford to tip them."

For your hair stylist, they recommend the cost of a normal visit. An evening's pay is suggested for the baby sitter, while the dog walker gets up to one week's wage.

If you park in a garage, ten to thirty bucks for the attendant. Same scale for a newspaper carrier. If you have a housekeeper, the cost of one visit is customary.

Keep in mind postal workers can't accept gifts worth more than $20 and if you're buying for a child's teacher, consider a gift card, instead of cash.

"If they're doing something for you that makes your life easier, especially around the holidays, it's nice to share generosity with other people," said Starke.

Potter added, "There needs to be a more moderate list too. This feels like the upper end of what's expected."

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If you are short on cash…"You can just say thank you. Spread some love and cheer throughout the year," said Blanche Stowe of Atlantic City.

Potter added, "In general people like money, but they also like being treated well."

Emily Post actually backs them up, saying that if cash tipping isn't within your budget, gratitude can be shown in a number of ways.

The institute recommends homemade gifts, treats, even words to express your thanks for good service. And a handwritten note always goes a long way.