Americans Plan to Give Fewer Holiday Tips This Year—But Not for These Two Jobs
Investopedia·2025-12-06 13:00

Core Insights - Many Americans are expected to skip holiday tipping this year, particularly for childcare providers, mail carriers, teachers, and trash collectors, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [1][7] - The median holiday tip amount is projected to remain mostly unchanged for many workers, although some categories may see increases in gratuities in 2025 [1][3] Tipping Trends - A significant decline in the intention to tip was observed across all categories compared to the previous year, with the most notable drop for childcare providers, from 55% to 47% [5][8] - The median expected tip for landscapers increased from $30 to $50, and for garbage collectors from $20 to $25, while other categories either remained the same or decreased [5][6] Economic Context - The findings reflect economic pressures on consumers, including tariffs and inflation, which may overshadow their willingness to tip [4] - There is a growing frustration with the tipping culture in the U.S., particularly among younger Americans, who feel pressured to tip more frequently [4][7] Demographic Insights - Higher earners are contributing to maintaining tipping levels, suggesting that income disparities may influence tipping behavior [9]