Image by Getty Images via Daylife

During the holidays, we find ourselves making all sorts of lists. We make lists of gifts that we need to buy, as well as lists for decorations, food, parties and more. And, of course, each year we are often faced with the prospect of holiday tipping. There are a number of service providers who are at the low end of the payscale, and who could really use a little more cash this time of year.

If you take regular advantage of services provided for others, it is a good idea to consider providing an extra holiday tip — especially if you have been satisfied with the sort of service you have received. Everyone likes to know that they are appreciated. Here are some basic tips on holiday tipping:

• Housing cleaning and nannies: If you have a regular house cleaner, the tip should be right around a week’s worth of pay. The same is true of your nanny. If you have a teenager that babysits for you regularly (three to five times a month) you might consider a tip of one night’s babysitting this holiday season.
• Hair and nail stylists: Your hair and nail stylists should receive an extra tip in the amount of one hair appointment. You can also get a nice bottle of bubbly for your hair or nail stylist as a classy gift. (But I bet in these economic times he or she would appreciate the cash more.)
• Massage therapist: Like the hair stylist, it is considered good manners to provide a tip in the amount of one appointment.
• Newspaper carrier: A tips of around $20 to $25 this time of year is a good amount. This applies to your garbage collector, as well as your UPS driver, if you are a business that uses this service a great deal.
• Mail carrier: It is important to note that mail carriers cannot accept cash. Nor can they accepts gifts valued at more than $20. So consider a nice, simple gift or some sort of baked goods.
• Your child’s teacher: It is also not a good idea to give cash or expensive gifts to your child’s teacher. Something simple is appropriate. Or, you could suggest that all the parents in the class chip in to get the teacher a gift certificate.

If you are feeling generous this holiday season, you can add a little more for tips to service providers that you do not use regularly. This can include restaurant servers, taxi drivers, valets and others. You don’t have to feel obligated to contribute to the tip jar at various establishments, unless you feel the desire to be expansive. However, if you are a regular at a coffee shop and the baristas know you, or if you are recognizable to the car wash crew, it doesn’t hurt to be seen putting a little extra in the tip jar — especially if you get good service.

In the end, though, holiday tipping is a great deal about what you can afford, and what you feel is appropriate. However, it is a good idea to remember that you wouldn’t be getting these services if you didn’t make more than the service providers, and that might be reason to be a little more giving this holiday season.