This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

Holiday tipping season has a sneaky way of turning “thank you” into a high-stakes puzzle.

You want to show appreciation to the people who helped with your kids, your pets, your home, your day-to-day. But the list can get long, the rules can be fuzzy, and your budget can only stretch so far.

According to an annual survey by Bankrate, holiday tipping won’t be quite as common this year, with slightly fewer Americans planning to tip their childcare providers, house cleaners, and other workers. (For instance, for childcare providers, the share of people planning to tip dropped to 47% this year from 55% last year.)

At the same time, those that are still tipping are giving roughly the same amount, or more, the survey showed.

So what?

Don’t let gratitude become a source of stress. If you’re not sure who and how much you can afford to tip, start with these basics.

Prioritize. Bankrate recommends focusing on the people who went above and beyond for you this year, rather than trying to spread money thinly across a long list.

For reference, here’s what survey respondents who expected to tip were planning to spend this season (the median amounts):

•   Housekeeper: $50

•   Childcare provider: $48

•   Teacher: $25

•   Landscaper / gardener / snow remover: $50

•   Mail carrier: $20

•   Trash / recycling collector: $25

Depending on who you’re tipping, you might also consider giving them the equivalent of one service (or day’s pay). Or check tipping guides from The Emily Post Institute and etiquette expert Diane Gottsman.

Consider a homemade gift or card instead. You aren’t obligated to give a monetary gift, etiquette experts say. Handwritten thank-you notes, a baked good, or another small homemade gift is not only perfectly acceptable, but signals their work is worthy of your extra effort. (And actually, it’s customary to include a short note with cash too.)

Explore pooling your cash. Holiday tipping isn’t worth overextending yourself and incurring debt. Ask your neighbors or other parents to go in with you when tipping people like the maintenance person or a teacher.

Don’t feel obligated if you already tip. If you tip someone regularly (like a hairdresser) you can forgo a holiday tip or give a more modest amount, according to The Emily Post Institute.

Tap into a company-funded program. Amazon’s seasonal “Thank My Driver” feature lets customers trigger a company-funded $5 bonus for their most recent delivery driver. Once 2 million $5 bonuses have been awarded (it only took eight days this year,) the most thanked drivers each day get a $100 daily prize through December.

The bottom line: Whether your appreciation shows up as cash, a note, or a small gesture, what matters most is that it’s heartfelt — and fits your budget.

Related Reading

Holiday Tipping Guide 2025: How Much to Tip Everyone for Christmas This Year (Reader’s Digest)

Tipping Fatigue Grows as Customers Face Pressure from Digital Payment Screens (Scripps News)

Guilt-Free Tweaks to Trim Your Holiday Budget (SoFi)

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

OTM20251215SW