Those LITTLE Gifts Mean a LOT: Teachers, Postal Workers & More

We always talk about the little gifts around the holidays.  To whom do you give them and how much should they be worth?  The tradition of giving a teacher a gift is largely outdated, but if your child has a special relationship with a teacher, a card is certainly acceptable.  There are some people, though, who still need to know you care.  Here is a list from Good Housekeeping that will break down how much and what to give to those 'other' people on your list!

• Postal Service -- Employees may receive gifts valued at $20 or less, per occasion. There's a $50 annual cap per giver. The USPS frowns on cash gratuities.  We often put small gift cards or a small holiday treat basket.  If you don't know your mail person, than a gift of food might be odd.  I know our regular postal worker loves pecan-flavored coffee.  I usually give her a pound bag of coffee beans, which she loves!
• Teachers -- Giving money isn't customary and many schools prohibit teachers from accepting tips. Give a gift to a teacher that is a personal expression of appreciation, something moderately priced that you and your child have selected.
• Frequent baby-sitter -- One or two evenings' pay plus a small gift from your child.
• Beauty salon staff -- Include a larger-than-usual tip on your holiday do and write a short note on the reciept.
• Day-care providers -- $25 to $70 each (on the higher end if only one or two providers) plus a small gift from your child.
• Daily dog walker -- One day's pay.
• Frequent housecleaner -- One day's pay.
• Newspaper deliverer -- $10 to $30.
• Private nurse -- Gift, not cash.
• Nursing-home workers -- Gift, not cash.
• Trash collectors -- $10 to $20 each.
• Frequent yard worker -- $20 to $50.