What this calculator does
The holidays are a common time to thank the people who help you all year: the babysitter, the house cleaner, the dog walker, the building staff, the person who cuts your hair. This calculator keeps your list in one place, adds it up and compares it with your budget. It also checks a gift for your mail carrier against the U.S. Postal Service's rules.
Rules for gifts to your mail carrier
Postal Service employees follow federal ethics rules. A USPS employee may accept a non-cash gift with a market value of $20 or less per occasion from a customer, but not more than $50 worth of gifts from that same customer in a calendar year. Cash and cash equivalents are not allowed, including checks, money orders and Visa, Mastercard or American Express gift cards. A retail gift card worth $20 or less is acceptable (USPS ethics rules, USPS ethics FAQs). A card or a note of thanks is always fine.
How much to give everyone else
There is no official amount, and customs differ by place and by how long someone has worked for you. Many people give about the cost of one visit or one week of service, and some give a small gift instead of cash. The calculator lets you set the cost of one visit or week and how many you want to give, so you can try different amounts and stay within your budget.
- Tip or gift = the cost of one visit or week × how many.
- Total = the mail carrier's gift + every row.
- Left in your budget = your budget − the total.
An example
You plan a $20 gift for your mail carrier, one visit's pay for a $60 babysitter, one cleaning for a $120 house cleaner and two walks for a $25 dog walker. That is $20 + $60 + $120 + $50 = $250. With a $300 budget, $50 is left.
Tips
- If money is tight, a handwritten note or a homemade gift is a thoughtful thank-you.
- Give before the holidays, so people who travel or take time off get it in time.
- Add the total to your holiday budget, and for restaurant tips use the tip calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I give my mail carrier?
USPS rules let an employee accept a non-cash gift worth $20 or less per occasion from a customer, and no more than $50 of gifts from the same customer in a calendar year. Cash, checks and cash-like gift cards are not allowed.
Can I give my mail carrier a gift card?
A retail gift card worth $20 or less is acceptable. Visa, Mastercard or American Express gift cards count as cash equivalents and are not allowed.
How much should I tip my babysitter or cleaner for the holidays?
There is no official rule. Many people give about the cost of one visit or one week of service; choose what fits your budget and your relationship.
Do I have to give holiday tips?
No. Holiday tips and gifts are a personal choice. A note of thanks is always appreciated.
Is my list saved?
No. Names and amounts stay in your browser and are not sent to us.