Tipping the Babysitter at Christmas

The babysitter is an important piece in the puzzle of your family's life, and making her feel appreciated at Christmas should be a top priority. Don't get too caught up in your hectic holiday schedule to remember the people who help you keep it all running smoothly.

  1. How Much?

    • According to CNN Money, the acceptable norm for tipping someone who provides a service falls between 10 and 20 percent. Christmas comes but once a year, however, and your babysitter will likely spend a lot of time with your children in the near future. It might be in your best interest to be a little generous when tipping the person who's frequently in charge of your most precious commodities. A general rule of thumb is to tip your babysitter what you would normally pay them for an average night's job, plus 15 percent.

    Cash, Gift Card, or Package?

    • Let your babysitter dictate how she would most prefer to receive your token of appreciation. Not every Christmas gift has to be a surprise. Ask her ahead of time whether she prefers gift cards to cash or clothing to books. Potentially spoiling a surprise is better than giving a coffee house gift card to a teen who only drinks sodas. Your gift doesn't pack punch if it's not useful. Don't make yourself memorable this holiday by giving your babysitter the worst Christmas tip on the block.

    When to Present It?

    • Once you've mentioned the possibility of a Christmas tip to your sitter, make sure to follow through. Give it to her before the actual holiday, but not weeks ahead of time. At the end of her last babysitting session before Christmas is ideal. This is when most companies present employees with a Christmas bonus. It lets her know you appreciate all her hard work and gives her a little something extra to place under her own tree.

    Building Good Relations

    • Finding and keeping a quality babysitter -- one who's reliable, great with the kids, and easy to contact -- isn't always an easy task. Once word gets out that you have the best sitter on the block, her time might become more limited. Tipping generously at Christmas helps keep you at the top of her list of favorite assignments, and that's right where you want to stay.

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