New York City Holiday Tipping Guide

The holiday season is a time for giving—to your friends, family members, and your super and hairdresser, too. Holiday tipping time can be stressful in New York City. Of course, we'd like to recognize the service professionals who make our lives easier throughout the year, but some of us can't afford to be overly generous.

In Manhattan, it's tradition to give a holiday tip to service providers (including apartment building staff, childcare providers, cleaners, and other personal service vendors) during December or early January. It's a sign of appreciation for good service. Although, not seen as an obligation, tips are often counted on by many New York City service providers. If you don't tip, it could be seen as a sign of dissatisfaction or stinginess.

What If You're on a Tight Budget?

Focus on those service providers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make your life easier. If you truly can't afford to tip someone who gave you good service throughout the year, you can give a small personal gift like homemade cookies and a heartfelt note. In general, you should try and tip cash and do so as early in the season as you can (service professionals have families to support during the holidays, too).

Exactly who should you tip? What's the minimum that won't look cheap? How much is too much? The answers to these and more New York City holiday tipping questions are below.