It's that time of the year again!  Lights sparkle throughout town as snow falls softly from the sky; Christmas carolers fill the streets; And children make their lengthy lists for Santa.  You're busy making your list and checking it twice, making sure there isn't anyone you forgot to get gifts for.  I bet your list mainly consists of friends and family, but what about those in your life that provide you with regular services.  They definitely deserve a BIG "thank you"!

Perhaps you've got a doorman who always greets you with a warm smile, a hairdresser that makes you look and feel like a million bucks (HairCult, Rebellations or TONI&GUY... hint hint), or a babysitter that keeps your mind at ease while you enjoy a night out on the town.  My guess is that you aren't quite sure how you should thank them with a tip.  Well hMAG is here to help!

Here are some of the more common positions to tip:

Building Superintendent - $100 to $200 (more if you live in an upscale building, less if you live in a more modest building)

Apartment/Condo Doorman - $50 to $150 (more if you live in an upscale building, less if you live in a more modest building)

Other Building Staff - $20 to $50, depending on your interaction with them

Live-In Nanny - One month's salary

Au Pair - One week's salary

Babysitter - Amount equivalent to one night's pay

Waiter - Give what's in your heart

Doctors/Dentists/Home Health Care - A small gift that can be shared (such as food) is appropriate for someone who works as part of a team, while a more personal gift is suitable for someone whom you have an established relationship with.

Newspaper Delivery - $10 to $30, or the equivalent of a month's subscription

Dog Walker - A week's pay

Pet Groomer/Sitter - Amount equivalent to one session's pay

Personal Care (hairdresser, personal trainer, manicurist, masseuse, etc.) - The cost of the service for one session

Housekeeping/Cleaning Service - Amount equivalent to one cleaning

Teachers/Tutors - Check with your school to see what is and is not allowed. Gift cards in the range of $25 are often appropriate for teaching supplies, a favorite restaurant or coffee shop.

Trash Collectors - Check with your municipality to see if gifts can be accepted. For private services, $20 or bottle of booze

Mail Carriers - Nothing that exceeds $20 cash value... or booze!

Taxi Drivers - 10% - 15%, depending on whether they help with bags or not

Keep in mind that although tipping has been the way people show gratitude for ages, you don't have to go crazy emptying your wallet to do so.  Money isn't the only way to thank someone while wishing them happy holidays.  Maybe you aren't the craftiest person, or a culinary genius, so a meaningful and sincere thank you note is a great way to show someone you appreciate a year of their outstanding service.

Another thing to remember is that not everyone can accept cash.  Laws and ethical guidelines do not allow teachers, mail carriers, health care workers, to name a few, to accept tips.  So use your noodle and get your imagination going, you can come up with some clever ways to thank them with small gifts.

Remember that a big tip is more appropriate for someone that you have established a good relationship with, such as a trusted doorman or a long-term babysitter, rather than it is for someone who you aren't very familiar with and may be new to the job.  And if the service has been consistently lacking throughout the year, don't feel obligated to tip.

Stay in the holidays spirit, and finish those gift lists.  hMAG is here to make sure you won't have to check your list more than twice!