Holiday Tip Calculator
Year-end tipping made simple: USPS caps mail-carrier cash at $20, babysitters $50–100, cleaners $50–100, gardeners $20–50. With gift rules.
Statutory Gratuity Rule: Under FLSA 29 U.S.C. § 203(m) and 29 CFR Part 531, tips are the absolute property of employees; employers and managers are strictly barred from retaining any portion of tip pools. Standard U.S. dining gratuity benchmarks range from 15% (standard service) to 18%–20% (good service) and 22%+ (exceptional service), calculated directly on the pre-tax subtotal.
Holiday Tip Calculator
Year-end tipping made simple: USPS caps mail-carrier cash at $20, babysitters $50–100, cleaners $50–100, gardeners $20–50. With gift rules.
Results
Bill Breakdown
Tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount. Adjust state for accurate tax rates.
About This Calculator
What it does
Year-end guidance for regular service providers. Example: your mail carrier—USPS rules allow a cash gift up to $20 and non-cash gifts under $25; your babysitter—$50–100 plus a small gift; your house cleaner—about one week's pay or $50–100. Always check your employer's gift policy.
Data sources
- National Restaurant Association
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Internal Revenue Service
- State Revenue Departments
Last updated: 2026 · Fact-checked against primary industry sources
Frequently asked questions
How much to tip the mail carrier for Christmas?
USPS rules: up to $20 in cash and non-cash gifts under $25 in value. A small gift plus $20 is the common ceiling.
How much to tip your babysitter for the holidays?
$50–100 plus a small gift, or roughly one to two weeks of typical care.
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