Be a generous holiday tipper, without overspending

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This holiday season, a leaner budget might clarify which people truly make a difference in your life. The challenge will be figuring out how much to tip them.

Determining what to give during the holidays, if anything, will likely be more complicated than in years past. Even if money is tight, it's hard not to feel guilty about skimping on the usual year-end bonus. You might also worry that not tipping will create an awkward tension, or result in shoddier service.

Still, about a quarter of respondents to a recent Consumer Reports survey plan to tip less this holiday season than they did last year.

Tip Jar

Here's a look at what holiday tips people gave last year, when the economic downturn was already in full swing. Consumer Reports, which conducted the study, expects giving to hold steady or decline this year.
Cleaning person
None: 29%
Cash, check or gift card: 58%
Gift: 17%
Median Value: $50
Child's schoolteacher
None: 44%
Cash, check or gift card: 20%
Gift: 38%
Median Value: $20
Hairdresser
None: 54%
Cash, check or gift card: 36%
Gift: 11%
Median Value: $20
Manicurist
None: 62%
Cash, check or gift card: 33%
Gift: 5%
Median Value: $10
Newspaper carrier
None: 69%
Cash, check or gift card: 30%
Gift: 2%
Median Value: $15
Pet-care provider
None: 69%
Cash, check or gift card: 26%
Gift: 8%
Median Value: $25
Gardener/lawn-care
None: 77%
Cash, check or gift card: 18%
Gift: 5%
Median Value: $30
Mail carrier
None: 81%
Cash, check or gift card: 13%
Gift: 7%
Median Value: $20
Garbage/ collector
None: 92%
Cash, check or gift card: 6 %
Gift: 2%
Median Value: $20

KNOW THE CUSTOMS

Before you start doling out money, you might be curious about what others are giving.

There are no hard-and-fast rules, but year-end tips are generally the cost of a single session. So if a haircut costs $40, that's how much you could give as a tip.

And holiday bonuses are generally reserved for people you've relied on for at least six months, said Mary Mitchell, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Etiquette."

Remember that some workers have guidelines on what they can accept. Mail carriers, for example, can only take non-cash gifts valued at $20 or less. That could include a gift card, but not personal checks in any amount.

FOCUS ON KEY PEOPLE

One way to save is to focus on those you feel must be tipped.

Last holiday season, the downturn didn't affect how much housekeepers and teachers got. But fewer people tipped their barbers, garbage collectors, mail carriers and manicurists, according to Consumer Reports.

Start by identifying those you feel absolutely should get tips. They'll likely be people you have frequent contact with, such as child or pet care providers.

You might also want to consider financial situations when drawing up your list. A yoga instructor might not need, or expect, a tip as much as a manicurist. Another reason you might leave someone off the list: you already tip them generously throughout the year.

NON-CASH GIFTS

If cash tips aren't in the budgetary stars, you can still give small gifts that don't cost a lot.

Baked goods, jams and candles are the perennial crowd pleasers. But use your knowledge about the person to be creative. Another option is pooling resources to buy a nice gift.

If you feel you can't afford a tip or gift, thank you notes can still make a difference. You could even spruce it up with a Godiva chocolate; one box should be enough for all your envelopes. Consider lightly touching on your economic situation in the note. Mitchell suggests thanking the person for bearing with you during these tough times.

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