Carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas," says  spokeswoman Sue Brennan. "However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount." Most folks give $20, according to a  survey taken after the 2009 holiday season ended.  •Hairdresser/barber/manicurist. The common advice is to give a tip equal to one service. So if a haircut is $15, leave $15 extra. Most people give their hairdresser a $20 tip, their barber a $15 tip and their manicurist a $15 tip at year's end, according to Consumer Reports.  •Teacher/day care staff. "The best thing is a small gift presented by the child," says Dublanica. "It doesn't have to be extravagant. It doesn't have to go above $20 or $30." Most parents spend $20 on a teacher, says Consumer Reports.  •Trash collector. The median tip is $20, says Consumer Reports. While it might be tempting to just tape the money under the lid of the garbage can, etiquette experts suggest writing out a nice thank you card and putting the money in the card.  •The personal trainer. The rule of thumb is to give the cost of one session. While many like cash, it's best to check to see if the trainer is allowed to accept money. For those tempted to give these health nuts sweets — go right ahead. New York City personal trainer Cara Maltz says she was thrilled to receive Russian chocolates from one client.  •The dog walker. Your pooch's second best friend should get at least the cost of at least one week's pay, according to The Emily Post Institute etiquette website. Most folks give $20 to their "pet care provider," says Consumer Reports.  •The babysitter. Dublanica says the babysitter should get the cost of a typical night's service. He says tipping is especially important "if your kids are monsters." The Emily Post Institute suggests adding on a small gift presented by the child or children.  •Building staff (doormen, superintendents). One in six renters who live in apartment buildings don't tip staff during the holidays, according to a survey by Rent.com. Of those that do tip, 71% give $25 or less, 21% give $26 to $50 and 7% give more than $50.  •Newspaper carrier. The Emily Post Institute says to give $10 to $30 or a small gift. Most folks tip $15, according to Consumer Reports, but Clyde Reynolds of Lincoln, Ill., is more generous. "My newspaper delivery person only delivers on Saturdays and Sundays, but she's up at 4:00 a.m. so I can have my paper by 6:00 a.m. with my first cup of coffee," he says.  •House cleaner. Again, the general rule is to tip the cost of one service. Most folks tip $35, according to Consumer Reports.  •Lawn crew. Yard or garden workers should be given $20 to $50 each, says the Emily Post website.  •Waiters. It's fine to just leave the usual tip for your favorite waiter. But all bets are off if you dine out on Christmas Eve, says Dublanica. "I always say, if you don't tip heavy on Christmas Eve, you're evil," he says.  Is your provider not on this list? Check out www.emilypost.com for more tipping advice.  You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference.
The first rule is Tip from the heart. But here are some guidelines, and info on what other people generally give.