Don't know what to give to your trusted stylist? How about the coworker three cubicles over who (like you!) swears "Grey's Anatomy" is having its best season yet? We asked Mannersmith's Jodi R.R. Smith for a few gift-giving guidelines this holiday season.
Helpful neighbor
(waters plants during vacation) One vacation: Gift under $10. Three vacations: Gift under $50.
Private garbage collectors
Appropriate tip: $20 per person.
Dogwalker/Cleaning lady
Appropriate tip: One week's pay.
Trusted stylist/colorist
Appropriate tip: Cost of one session.
Guy two condos over who fixes your computer
Depends on the amount of work done. "If he spends four hours on a Saturday night, then a baked good isn't going to cut it," Smith says. "The key to gift giving is getting people something they really like. Maybe he likes coffee, so go load up a
Swing-shift nanny
(picks up the kids from school, etc.) Appropriate tip: One week's salary for one year worked, more for additional years. Also: A small gift and a card from the kids.
Reliable baby sitter
(adult) Appropriate tip: Two nights' pay. Also: A baked good from the kids. "It teaches kids the art of giving," Smith says. "It's not all about getting, it's about giving."
Parents of your children's friends
"I believe in preemptive etiquette," Smith says. "Ask them - do you usually exchange gifts with other parents? Maybe they have a cookie exchange where everyone bakes several dozen cookies and you exchange them. Or maybe you let the dads have the playdate so the moms can go out one afternoon for tea."
Day-care provider(s)
Check with your center director to see what's usually done. Some centers dole out holiday tips based on the hours worked by particular teachers. Or maybe you want to coordinate with other parents to give a group gift to your child's provider. "One year, we bought gift cards and put them in Vera Bradley bags for the teachers," Smith says. "Most parents are relieved to coordinate with other parents." Also: Bring in something the teachers can all share, like coffee or baked goods.
School teacher
Varies by school. Smith says: "Find out what's usually done. They don't need another #1 teacher mug. Better that kids contribute to a group gift. Check with the room parent or front office." Also: Card from the child.
Coworkers
Depends on the industry you're in. "In finance, it's all about who's giving the best gift," Smith says, "but at a nonprofit, baked goods might be the way to go. If you're new, ask around. Find out what the office culture is." For coworkers who are also close friends, give a gift outside the office. "If your friendship exists outside of the office, then you should give the gift outside of the office," she says.
Package delivery people
(picks up, drops off consistently) "Some are supposed to say no, but if you insist" they can accept a small gift, Smith says. Many are not supposed to accept cash at all.
