Among Friends

[Desertdi]

@kze @Kachina624 

In past years, it was always customary for  your stylist to thank the CUSTOMER for their business at Christmas with a gift.    (After all, you've been tipping them for 12 months.)   

Times have changed.   Even repairmen who charge THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS...now expect an additional "TIP".

[KailaS]

I tip every four weeks and give Christmas gifts. Yesterday I even added a gift for my stylist's cats. She does offer a choice of full size items from which her regular clients can choose when they/we leave the shop around the holidays. I took a full size hand cream when I left yesterday. 

[Bonkers1]

I used to buy a gift for my hair stylist and then she would go and write a gift certificate for me. That was pretty lame so I stopped doing that.  I go every 5 weeks and tip each time I go.  Not into the Xmas tip at all.

[homedecor1]

I got a haircut today and gave her a substantial tip above.  I hope she realized that was for christmas tip and won't expect every cut.

(I did tell her I tipped extra as a christmas gift).

I feel really bad for her she lost her house and contents in last hurricane - she's been living several places.  I know she can use the extra cash.

[FancyPhillyshopper]

We always provide a holiday tip (and gift) to our hair stylists, our paper delivery man, and even a giftcard for the postal delivery person.

I also give small gifts to some of my favorite store clerks who always take good care of me. In the past we bought gifts for the car mechanics.  When we board our dogs, I always bring a food gift for the staff working there.

I also still send a holiday card to my original real estate agent who sold us our houses!

These traditions are an expression of appreciation and friendship for excellent services rendered.

I especially prefer to be generous and kind during the holiday times, and I never model my behavior on what others DON'T do. 

[ID2]

I always bring something for my stylist every Christmas! I've become friends with her. Last year I gave her a giftcard to our local coffee shop that she loves. Last week, when I got my hair done, I doubled my tip to her. Nothing uncomfortable about it. 

[wagirl]

I only give a tip--maybe a few more $$ this time of year--but never give a gift. This gift giving thing is kind of out of control, IMO---of course there are exceptions-- but really and truly--cash is what everyone wants and needs. I worked for years at a preschool and during most holidays, the kids parents would give the  3 of us--1 teacher and 2 aides---all sorts of --stuff---just bric a brac---now it was very nice but totally worthless-- I ended up with sooo many coffee mugs--the last year I was there, someone finally got us gift cards--and the angels sang!!!! This was in the late 1990s--I still have one mug and an apron and actually, a xmas cactus that is blooming right now. 

[manny2]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

Remember when the stylists used to give us little gifts and we gave them nothing?  Where did we go wrong?

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You are right @Kachina624  my stylist always gives a gift. It is usually one of my favorite products. I never give a gift to her. I tip well, so that’s enough.

[UpNorthGorgy]

@FancyPhillyshopper. That is VERY VERY thoughtful of you. I put goodies for the Humane Society staff and volunteers in with my donation of supplies or dog  treats. I also do this also at Eastertime.

My salon stopped the gifts. It is a husband and wife hairdressers who have a salon in their home basement. I get the bare treatment as quick out the door every month.. Come in with washed hair and cut and styled which is the husband, Aveda trained. Same price as shampoo and cut I think? His wife doesn't like his barber method as has mentioned it. He knows my hair and cut it for 20 years. I can wash and go. I went to him before marriage and twin sons.

Everyone thought he was gay as a hairdresser. Unfair. Plays music as well.They sent a Christmas picture card to the regulars. I bring them vegetables from my garden in summer which they appreciate. I give the carriers water bottles in the summer.

I used to gift money to the PO carrier but I no longer know who delivers as the change so often? One turned her mail car around  on my lawn in front of me a few months ago instead of going in a driveway not too far!

[Lucky Charm]

I tip extra at Christmas for my stylist.  I've never been given a gift by any stylist in all my 60 some years!  I wish.

I ran out $10 each to the two guys who took our regular trash, and the same to the two (different guys) who took recycle.  Missed the yard waste guys, but will catch them eventually.

Never the same guys, but I figure whoever does that in the heat of the summer and cold and rain and the weight of the cans, they deserve it more than anyone else.

They were so appreciative.  Stunned because I ran out in the rain in my pjs and robe and hair going every which way.  But appreciative nonetheless.