Don't be stingy - here's how much to tip, says TOBY WALNE By TOBY WALNE Updated: 21:52 GMT, 21 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments The Victorian era saw the tradition of giving servants small Boxing Day gifts, or 'boxes' of thanks to enjoy on their day off. Today, changes in attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield. Liz Wyse, etiquette adviser for the aristocracy bible Debrett's, says: 'As a general rule of thumb if you have employed someone's services – such as a cleaner, gardener or nanny – then a week's wages is about right.
'So, £60 for a cleaner who does three or four hours a week is a fair tip.' She adds: 'For occasional help, such as dog walking or babysitting, payment for an hour or so is enough – £10 minimum or £20 if you really value them.' Cash in hand: Changes in attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Where will your tips go now - and what is a tronc? The new.
.. Stop guilt-tripping us into handing over tips, says.
.. Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP What you need to know about money every week: This is Money podcast Wyse believes that despite households feeling the squeeze this year, there is no excuse for being stingy at a time we should be generous.
She says: 'People who you have employed tend to be less well off than you, so it cuts no mustard using hardship as an excuse to give them less money than they really deserve.' Traditionally, households have also given gifts to postmen, milkmen and dustmen – but habits are changing, and this is no longer a requirement. Wyse says: 'If someone goes out of their way, such as a postman who must walk a long way to your door or deal with your dog, greet them in person and hand over an envelope containing £10.
As a friendly gesture you could add 'have a drink on me'.' She suggests that 'cash is king' and although chocolates or a bottle of wine or sherry are generous options, most people nowadays prefer banknotes. This is Money podcast Does earning £100k a year make you rich anymore? What next for house prices and is it harder to buy a home now vs 1974? Are interest rate cuts about to stall - and what does it mean for you? Why have crypto prices soared - and should you be wary of a tax sting? What Trump means for your money - and a 10th birthday Will the Budget cost you money - and will Rachel Reeves' plan work? More This is Money podcasts Share or comment on this article: Don't be stingy - here's how much to tip, says TOBY WALNE e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links.
If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products.
We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top stories.
Business
Don't be stingy - here's how much to tip, says TOBY WALNE
Changes in attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip during the festive season is becoming a minefield.