An Expert Guide On Holiday Tipping

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The holiday season is in full swing and for many, that includes a lot of holiday tipping. But how much do you give?

As CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported, there are a host of questions about who gets how much.

"Do you tip your mailman? How much do you tip your babysitter? Do you tip your bus driver if you take public transportation into the city every day," one man said are just some of the questions that pop up around holiday tipping.

Lifestyle expert Jung Lee said if you love your bus driver, a small gift or card is appropriate. Your mail carrier cannot accept cash, but you can leave a gift worth up to $20.

As far as the babysitter, one week's pay is standard; same with your housekeeper and dog walker, Hsu reported.

Ashlee Thomas just moved into her building in Williamsburg in August.

"We kind of have an idea with the super what we need to do, but the gentlemen who sit at the desk, do we do $100? Do we do $50? What's going to be appropriate?" she asked.

"Say I just moved in, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, thank you so much, with a smaller sum is totally fine," said Lee.

As far as a guide, supers normally get anywhere from $50 to $200; a doorman $20-$100; sanitation worker $25; garage attendant $20-$50, Hsu reported. Your hairdresser, manicurist and personal trainer can be tipped the cost of one visit.

Schools often have restrictions on giving gifts to teachers, so make sure you ask. But a card from your child is always a good idea.

"(Hsu: When you were saying maybe the child write a personal note, do you do that on top of whatever the class might be doing?) Yes, I think a nice note is always a must for me and it teaches your children at an early age to show appreciation for all the hard work," Lee said.

Lee added that a personal and specific note should always go along with any holiday tip.

"When you did that for me that one time, it always stayed with me," Lee said. "That's how people connect and I think that's what the holidays are all about."

As far as when to tip, now is the time, Hsu reported. Many people rely on holiday tips to buy their gifts so the earlier in December, the better.

Experts also say to spend within your means. You shouldn't feel overwhelmed and stressed out financially by how much you're giving.