A look at the holiday tips people give
Here's a look at what holiday tips people gave last year, when the economic downturn was already in full swing. Consumer Reports, which conducted the study, expects giving to hold steady or decline this year.
Cleaning person
None: 29 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 58 percent
Gift: 17 percent
Median Value: $50
Child's schoolteacher
None: 44 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 20 percent
Gift: 38 percent
Median Value: $20
Hairdresser
None: 54 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 36 percent
Gift: 11 percent
Median Value: $20
Manicurist
None: 62 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 33 percent
Gift: 5 percent
Median Value: $10
Newspaper carrier
None: 69 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 30 percent
Gift: 2 percent
Median Value: $15
Pet-care provider
None: 69 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 26 percent
Gift: 8 percent
Median Value: $25
Barber
None: 71 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 26 percent
Gift: 3 percent
Median Value: $10
Gardener/lawn-care
None: 77 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 18 percent
Gift: 5 percent
Median Value: $30
Mail carrier
None: 81 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 13 percent
Gift: 7 percent
Median Value: $20
Garbage/ collector
None: 92 percent
Cash, check or gift card: 6 percent
Gift: 2 percent
Median Value: $20
Source: Consumer Reports
The poll is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,800 U.S. residents conducted in the first week of January.
