Tips on Tipping This Holiday Season

CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most common questions Sittercity.com gets from parents this time of year is what they should give to their babysitter, nanny, eldercare provider, dog walker, housekeeper or tutor.  For the answer, Sittercity went straight to the source, asking our care providers what they would like to receive.  Following are the results of the Sittercity Sitter Poll* and recommendations for what and how much to give this holiday season.

Childcare Providers

WHAT:

• 39 percent do not expect a gift this year
• 34 percent would like cash
• 18 percent would like a gift certificate
• 4 percent would like some kind of merchandise (clothes, jewelry, etc.)
• 4 percent would like a handmade gift

HOW MUCH:

• Nanny (full-time caregiver working 20+ hours/week): from 1 week's to 1 month's pay based on tenure
• Part-time or occasional babysitters: match the pay for the last job
• Au Pair: 1 week's pay
• Mother's Helper: match the pay for the last job

Pet Sitters

WHAT:

• 43 percent do not expect a gift this year
• 27 percent would like cash
• 18 percent would like a gift certificate
• 6 percent would like a handmade gift
• 4 percent would like some kind of merchandise (clothes, jewelry, etc.)

HOW MUCH:

• Dog Walker:  1-2 week's pay
• Pet Sitter:  match the pay for the last job
• Dog Groomer:  50-100% of a session

Eldercare Providers

WHAT:

• 46 percent do not expect a gift
• 25 percent would like a gift certificate
• 23 percent would like cash
• 4 percent would like a handmade gift
• 1 percent would like some kind of merchandise (clothes, jewelry, etc.)

HOW MUCH:

• Part-time or occasional eldercare providers: match the pay for the last job
• Full-time eldercare providers:  from 1 week's to 1 month's pay based on tenure

Housekeepers

WHAT:

• 47 percent don't expect a gift
• 28 percent would like cash
• 16 percent would like a gift certificate
• 3 percent would like a handmade gift
• 3 percent would like some kind of merchandise (clothes, jewelry, etc.)

HOW MUCH:

• Housekeeper:  1 week's pay

Tutors

WHAT:

• 43 percent don't expect a gift
• 27 percent would like cash
• 16 percent would like a gift certificate
• 7 percent would like some kind of merchandise (clothes, jewelry, etc.)
• 5 percent would like a handmade gift

HOW MUCH:

• Tutor: match the pay for the last job

* The Sittercity Sitter Survey was conducted using a surveygizmo.com online survey of 490 respondents.  

About Sittercity.com®

Sittercity.com, the inventor of online caregiving, is America's largest and most trusted online source for child care, pet care, senior care, housesitting, housekeeping and tutoring.  Sittercity has a network of more than a million caregiver profiles nationwide, and helps families and individuals across America find the perfect in-home care provider quickly, easily and safely. Sittercity's care seekers can use the company's four-step screening process, which includes checking references, reading caregiver reviews, conducting interviews and utilizing free access to background checks. Sitter profiles also come with photos, experience, training, safety skills, availability calendars, reviews and more. Our Corporate Program now serves a number of marquee clients, including Avon, the Department of Defense, MasterCard, FOX Networks, Pitney Bowes and Monster Worldwide. For more information, visit the company Web site at http://www.sittercity.com.

SOURCE Sittercity.com