How much to give and to whom?
4 min read![How much to give and to whom? How much to give and to whom?](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/35/8355c371-1464-5451-b4d2-c834e21930ca/6568e028bbcf6.preview.jpg?crop=1011,531,0,110&resize=1011,531&order=crop,resize)
Table of Contents
Tis the season for holiday tipping, raising potential confusion among many kids on why parents do it — or not — and how.
![rosen-dmt](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/84/08427600-7a4b-5191-ba68-c5dff0dc23c6/6568e02432248.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Holiday tipping is a bit different and trickier than tipping throughout the year.
An assortment of questions about tipping protocol come to mind from a tween or teen’s perspective: How much to give and to whom? When dining out why do mom or dad leave cold hard cash on the table before leaving; won’t someone swoop in and steal it? Is the money stuffed in the jar at the smoothie shop for anyone who needs it? I waited 45 minutes for my grilled cheese sandwich; do I still leave a tip?
Holiday tipping is a bit different and trickier than tipping throughout the year because it’s a way to say thanks for a job well done to an array of service providers, such as the barber, a favorite coffee shop employee, and a restaurant waiter.
Tipping is a task many adults struggle with, so how do you explain the concept to a child?
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One way is to start a discussion while you’re finishing a family meal during the holidays at a favorite restaurant. Was the service prompt, friendly and attentive? Was the food warm? You might explain that some workers, such as waiters, rely on tips for a large part of their income.
Even if dissatisfied with the meal or service, still consider leaving a tip, but the Emily Post Institute recommends letting the manager know why the dining experience was disappointing.
If you have young children, let them do the math on the tip, and hand the money directly to the server. My dad taught me to be sure to say “thanks,” or “this is for you.”
While tipping is a personal choice that partly reflects financial values, here are some general guidelines on how much to pay from the Post Institute:
- Wait service at a sit-down establishment: 15% to 20% of the total.
- Food delivery: 10% to 15% of the bill.
- Food takeout: It’s common to tip 10% or just a few dollars depending on the size of the order.
- Tipping jars for service workers such as baristas and smoothie shop workers: Consider tipping if your server goes above or beyond, or offers a good suggestion on a drink. Depending on the amount, put your change in the tip jar or round out your bill with a dollar or two.
- Barber or hair stylist: Consider tipping the cost up to one appointment, with the crisp bill or check tucked in an envelope with a short personal message, such as “thanks for a fine year of grooming.”
- A tip to a ballet instructor or baseball batting coach who provides one-on-one lessons is also appropriate. A tip to the trash truck driver and crew is part of the holiday norm in many households — or failing that, express your thanks with a box of holiday cookies or candy.
Not everyone can afford these amounts, so let your kids know these are just baselines. Your final decision will be based on your budget, the quality and quantity of the service, and whether you’re a regular customer.
“Common sense, specific circumstances and holiday spirit should always be your guide,” the Post Institute said.
The best holiday road trip distractions for screen-free kids
1. Road Trip Bingo
![1. Road Trip Bingo](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C138 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C185 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C208 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C277 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C369 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C498 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C590 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C692 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C913 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C955 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1107 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1230 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1362 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea69c528-e39a-5533-af91-b6fa15891be4/6567be5dd003f.image.jpg?resize=1499%2C1383 2008w)
One of the great things about driving for the holidays is that your children get to see new parts of the state or country — but only if their faces aren’t buried in screens. This car bingo game with included dry-erase markers will keep their attention on their surroundings while they try to tick off common road trip sights.
Buy it here: Well Balanced Car Bingo Game, $12
2. Magnetic Travel Games
![2. Magnetic Travel Games](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=225%2C225 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=640%2C640 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=750%2C750 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=990%2C990 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1035 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1333 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/f4/af42015f-ffbc-50ae-be5b-a777e1f45996/656806f6aed09.image.jpg?resize=1440%2C1440 1476w)
Playing a game in the car might sound like a recipe for lost pieces, but these magnetic travel games keep the pieces stuck to the board through long trips. This 12-piece set, with classics like checkers, backgammon, and tic-tac-toe, will provide hours of entertainment for siblings.
Buy it here: Oriental Trading Magnetic Travel Games, $10
3. Mix It Up On-the-Go Edition
![3. Mix It Up On-the-Go Edition](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=225%2C225 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=640%2C640 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=750%2C750 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=990%2C990 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1035 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3c/93c1fa0c-fa64-50c2-88dd-e5b29e374406/6567be647b128.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200 1200w)
This Mix It Up activity card pack from Pennycake is filled with fun prompts and games to chase away boredom on road trips. The on-the-go version is specifically designed with prompts related to the trip.
Buy it here: Mix It Up On-the-Go, $10
4. I Spy Travel Edition
![4. I Spy Travel Edition](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=150%2C150 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=225%2C225 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/74/274b0220-02ad-5fa4-86bc-cac7d5076c71/656806f8c8b3d.image.jpg?resize=640%2C640 640w)
Take the classic game I Spy on the go with this travel edition. This seek-and-find card game is the perfect way to keep kids entertained and engaged with the scenery.
Buy it here: I Spy Travel Game, $11
5. The Everything Kids’ Puzzle Book
![5. The Everything Kids’ Puzzle Book](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2a/62a39556-af2e-5dde-bb46-24bae6b6a166/6567be6802e18.image.jpg?resize=150%2C173 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2a/62a39556-af2e-5dde-bb46-24bae6b6a166/6567be6802e18.image.jpg?resize=200%2C231 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2a/62a39556-af2e-5dde-bb46-24bae6b6a166/6567be6802e18.image.jpg?resize=225%2C260 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2a/62a39556-af2e-5dde-bb46-24bae6b6a166/6567be6802e18.image.jpg?resize=300%2C346 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2a/62a39556-af2e-5dde-bb46-24bae6b6a166/6567be6802e18.image.jpg?resize=368%2C425 400w)
Fight road trip boredom with this engaging puzzle, game, and activity book for kids. It’s appropriate for children aged 7 to 10 and provides a little bit of quiet time for everyone in the car.
Buy it here: The Everything Kids’ Puzzle Book, $10
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