Holiday guide to tipping 'the people who help you all year': An expert's advice for seasonal spending

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Who should you tip for the holidays?

Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann of California shares her best advice for tipping and gifting this season.

‘Tis the season to be merry — and to be spending money on gifts, travel, food and more. 

Whether you’re still brainstorming over the perfect Christmas present for Mom or factoring in a few extra bucks to tip your hairdresser, the holidays can mean a hit to wallets and bank accounts.

Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann, in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, shared ways to acknowledge the people in your life appropriately while also staying within budget.

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Swann is founder of the Swann School of Protocol located in California. Even though there's a "standard" when it comes to seasonal giving, tipping during the holidays can vary based on lifestyle, she said.

While co-hosting a holiday tipping and gifting event with cash app Zelle last week in New York City, Swann mapped out a list of those who should be tipped extra.

Etiquette expert Elaine Swann of California offers ways to acknowledge the people in your life at holiday time. Remember those in the service industry "who have helped make your life easy throughout the year," she said. (Jacqueline Coronado)

"Think of all the individuals in the service industry who have helped make your life easy throughout the year," she said. 

"Figured out who has helped you ... and who’s top of mind."

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This could include housekeepers, babysitters, baristas, hairdressers, bartenders, dog walkers, doormen, delivery people and others.

Also, think about people who’ve gone the extra mile, she said.

Zelle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann have highlighted those who should be given tips year 'round — and what amounts are appropriate. (Zelle)

"Did the babysitter stay a little longer? Did the doorman pick up your packages for you?" she said.

Swann encouraged people to look at their budget and decipher how much is doable for tipping others — and then "roll it out" from there.

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She added that a "good" tip is at least the cost of the service that's offered.

"Bottom line: Give somebody something."

For example, tip your massage therapist or personal trainer the cost of one session.

But for the money-conscious, tipping on a percentage scale will help regulate how much is being spent on tips.

Etiquette expert Elaine Swann maps out how much to tip service workers for the holidays, saying the key is to "tip based on what your actual budget is." (Zelle)

"There are certainly some guidelines to follow, however, the key is to tip based on what your actual budget is," Swann said.

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"Bottom line: Give somebody something."

Swann repeated that it’s important for people to know what they can afford, to avoid dipping into savings.

Elaine Swann is shown at left. Regarding tips, she said that people should give what they're able to give. She also urged being thoughtful about tipping. (Elaine Swann/iStock)

And while inflation has been jacking up prices across the board, Swann offered other inventive ways to give without going broke.

"It’s the one gift you know people are going to absolutely use."

This could include chipping in with family members or friends to purchase a group gift for a loved one.

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"This way everyone is in on it, but people can give exactly what they’re able to," she said.

"People tend to sometimes have a misconception that giving a group gift is ‘cheaping out,' but it really shows [recipients] that all of these people care about them," she noted.

Etiquette expert Elaine Swann's three tips for budget-conscious giving are shown here. A recent Zelle study found that 48% of people would rather receive a digital payment vs. cash or check. (Zelle)

Swann also advocated for the use of cash apps to send money digitally as a gift.

A recent Zelle study found that 48% of people said they would prefer receiving money as a digital payment instead of cash or check, noted Swann.

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"It’s important for us to recognize that," she said. "It’s the one gift you know people are going to absolutely use."

"Put in a note that says, ‘Here’s to that new designer bag you planned on purchasing,' or, ‘Here’s to that next round of golf.’"

Swann added that this kind of monetary exchange is a sign that gifting is changing — and it’s "definitely acceptable."

Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann speaks at Zelle's holiday gifting and tipping event in New York City on Dec. 13, 2022. "Give freely," said Swann. "This is the holiday season." (Sydney Borchers/Fox News Digital)

"It’s all right — and give freely," she said. "This is the holiday season."

Digital gifts can be given with a little more "grace and style" by adding a personal message, she said.

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"Put in a note that says, ‘Here’s to that new designer bag you planned on purchasing,’" she said. "Or, ‘Here’s to that next round of golf.’"

She added, "This way, it still feels personal and doesn’t seem last-minute."