To Tip Or Not To Tip? Your Holiday Guide

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gratitude, obligation, anxiety and fear. Holiday tipping time is back.

It seems we need a primer every year, but especially when one in 10 Americans is out of work, how do you thank the many people who help get you through the day?

CBS 2's Mary Kay Kleist has some answers.

Lisa Hirschfield tips her dog-walker significantly and has for years because she takes good care of her beloved dog, Pal.

But the truth is that three out of four Americans don't tip their dog-walker, or their gardener or their mail carrier. Only one in 10 tip the garbage man.

Peter Post, the grandson of etiquette icon Emily Post, says tipping -- with cash or gifts -- is good manners, even in tough times. 

"But probably to fewer people in our lives who are providing the services that are really important to us," he adds.

Here are our tips for the holidays:

--Don't skimp on valued employees. Evaluate who is most important to you and helps you most frequently, like your child-care provider, elder-care provider or dog-walker.

--For in-house help like housekeepers, nannies, personal caregivers or dog walkers, give at least the equivalent one week of their wages.

--For babysitters, hairstylists and personal trainers, give the cost of one session. The paper delivery person, trash collector and gardener should get a smaller cash gift.

Many of us will visit our hair stylist right before the holidays. But at The Ladies & Gentlemen Aveda Salon & Spa, clients are supposed to skip the tip and follow the salon's no tipping policy.

Alex Coulter is the salon manager at the new Block 37 location. 

"We view ourselves as professionals," Coulter said. "You know, you don't tip your doctor, you don't tip your dentist."

Even though this salon bucks the trend of accepting tips, they won't turn down a thoughtful treat.

More recommendations

Financial columnist Kathy Kristof offers her thoughts on holiday tipping.

The financial website Wallet Pop weighs in.