In the Victorian era, there was a tradition of giving servants small Boxing Day gifts, or ‘thank you boxes’ to enjoy on their day off. Today, changes in attitudes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield.
Liz Wyse, etiquette advisor for Debrett’s Aristocracy Bible, says: ‘As a general rule of thumb, if you’ve engaged someone’s services – such as a cleaner, a gardener or a nanny – a week’s pay is about right.
‘So €60 for a cleaner who works three or four hours a week is a fair tip.’
She adds: ‘For incidental help such as dog walking or babysitting, a payment for around an hour is sufficient – at least £10 or £20 if you really value it.’
Cash in hand: Attitude changes and inflation mean knowing how much and when to tip at Christmas is becoming a minefield
Wyse believes that although households are feeling the pressure this year, there is no excuse to be stingy when we should be generous.
She says, “People you employ are usually less well off than you are, so there’s no shame in using hardship as an excuse to give them less money than they actually deserve.”
Traditionally, households also give 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 their way, such as a postman who has to walk a long way to your door or handle your dog, greet them personally and hand them an envelope containing £10. As a friendly gesture, you can add: ‘Have a drink on me.’
She suggests that ‘cash is king’ and while chocolates or a bottle of wine or sherry are generous options, most people these days prefer banknotes.