In Victorian times a tradition arose of giving servants small Boxing Day gifts, or thank you “boxes” to enjoy on their day off. Nowadays, changing attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield.
Liz Wyse, etiquette adviser at Debrett’s aristocracy bible, says: ‘As a general rule, if you have engaged the services of someone, such as a cleaner, a gardener or a nanny, then a week’s wage is about right.
“So £60 for a cleaner who works three or four hours a week is a fair tip.”
He adds: “For occasional help, such as dog walking or babysitting, payment for an hour or so is sufficient – £10 minimum or £20 if you really value it.”
Cash in hand: Changing attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield
Wyse believes that even though households have felt the pressure this year, there is no excuse for being stingy at a time when we should be generous.
She says, “The people you’ve hired tend to have less money than you, so it doesn’t hurt to use hardship as an excuse to give them less money than they really deserve.”
Traditionally, households also gave gifts to postmen, milkmen and garbage collectors, but habits are changing and this is no longer a requirement.
Wyse says: “If someone goes out of your way, like a postman who has to walk a long way to your door or tend to your dog, greet them in person and hand them an envelope containing £10.” As a friendly gesture you could add “have a drink on me.”
She suggests that “cash is king” and although chocolates or a bottle of wine or sherry are generous options, these days most people prefer banknotes.