DENVER (KDVR) — Are you looking for ways to spread holiday cheer? If you’re thinking about gifting a few extra bucks, we have some advice.

“By no means is holiday tipping mandatory, but giving someone who regularly provides you with a service a little something extra at the end of the year is always appreciated — perhaps more so than ever this year,” according to experts at Care.com.

Have you been keeping your post office busy? If you’re thinking about tipping your mail carrier, there are certain rules you must follow.

According to the United States Postal Service, mail carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. However, cash or cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount.

Additionally, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.

When it comes to tipping more this time of year, 45% of U.S. adults say they typically give higher-than-usual tips to service providers who normally receive tips throughout the year, according to a survey completed by CreditCards.com.

Care.com shared tipping recommendations, saying that experts recommend considering several factors when deciding how to give and to whom. They include your relationship with the recipient, your budget, the recipient’s position, and your personal preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Tipping recommendations

PERSONSUGGESTED TIP OR GIFT VALUEAu Pair1-2 week’s pay and a small gift from your kidsBabysitterAverage day/evening pay for regular sitters and a small gift from your kidsBarberCost of 1 sessionBartender$20-$40 for someone you see regularlyBuilding Porter / Janitor$25-$100, depending on involvementBuilding Superintendent$100-200, depending on involvementCleaning CompanyCost of 1 session or a small gift, if you see the same people regularlyCobblerDon’t tipCoffee Shop Barista$20 for someone you see regularlyContractorDon’t tipCountry Club Staff$50 for someone you see regularlyDay Care or Child Care Center StaffSmall gifts from your kids in the $10-$30 rangeDentistDon’t tipDoctorDon’t tipDog WalkerCost of 1 session or 1 week’s payDoorman$25-$100 depending on involvementDriver / Limo Service$20-$50 or 20% of monthly billDry Cleaner$10-20 gift card or homemade goodsElevator Operator$10-$40, depending on involvementErrand Runner$50 to 1 week’s pay, depending on how often you useFitness InstructorCost of 1 session or a small giftFood Delivery Person$20-$30 for someone you see regularlyGarbage Collector$10-$30 per personGardener / Landscaper$25-50Gas Station Attendant$10-$20 for someone you see regularlyGroomerCost of 1 sessionHairdresser or ColoristCost of 1 sessionHandyman / Handyperson$25-50House CleanerCost of 1 session for regular cleaner; small gift for infrequent serviceHousekeeperCost of 1 session and a small giftKennel StaffHandmade or baked goodsKids’ Activities InstructorSmall gift from your kidsKids’ Coach (Athletics)Small gift from your kidsLive-In Help (housekeeper, senior care aide, nanny, chef, etc.)1-2 week’s payMassage TherapistCost of 1 sessionMother’s HelperAverage day’s pay for regular helper and a small gift from your kidsNail Salon TechnicianCost of 1 sessionNanny1-2 week’s pay and a gift from your kidsNewspaper Carrier$10-$30Nurse (in-home nurse, private nurse)Edible goodies with a handwritten noteNursing Home or Assisted Living Community StaffHomemade giftPackage Delivery PersonSmall, non-cash giftParking Garage Attendant$10-$20 for someone you see regularlyPersonal Assistant$50 to 1 week’s payPersonal Chef1-2 week’s pay or cost of one session, depending on the frequencyPersonal TrainerCost of 1 sessionPet Day Care StaffHandmade gift or baked goodsPet Sitter$20-50Pet TrainerCost of 1 sessionPhysical TherapistDon’t tipPool Cleaner$25-50Postal Worker / Mail CarrierFood, such as baked goods, or non-cash gift worth less than $20School Bus DriverSmall, non-cash giftSenior Care Aide$50 to 1 week’s paySnow Remover / ShovelerCost of 1 sessionTailorDon’t tipTeacherSmall gift from your kidsTeacher’s Aide / AssistantSmall gift from your kidsTutorCost of 1 session and small gift from your child, depending on the frequencyVeterinarianDon’t tipWaiter / Waitress$20-$40 for someone you see regularly

Credit: Care.com

Care.com said when your budget is tight, there are other ways to show your appreciation, even if it’s only a thoughtful note.