PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Feeling extra generous with tips this holiday season? A survey says you’re not alone.
Many people these days — about 6 in 10 — feel like tipping culture has gotten out of control, with pre-entered tip prompts at coffee shops and elsewhere, but during this season of giving, people seem to be looking past that — especially Gen Zers.
“Most of the year, like at restaurants for instance, Gen Zers are the worst tippers by far,” said Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman. “Only a third of Gen Zers always tip at sit-down restaurants, which is pretty shockingly low. But around the holidays, it's actually Gen Zers who take over as the best tippers.”
Bankrate found that about 80% of surveyed tippers will spread the wealth just to say thank you, including to workers who regularly care for their homes or families.
“People like housekeepers, childcare providers, they get the highest median holiday tip, 50 bucks, and they're also among the most tipped,” Rossman said.
Trash collectors and mail carriers receive an average of $20, although in some cities like Philadelphia, trash collectors are not supposed to accept it.
Rossman says tipping can add up, so be selective.
“I would urge people to think about who really went above and beyond for you, like, if you can only afford to tip one or two of these people, who goes to the top of that list? And I would also say that sometimes there are other ways to show appreciation.”
Rossman says holiday tips are pretty much back to where they were in 2021 before the slight dip in 2022 due to inflation.