How Much Is Right? Let Your Goodwill Be Your Guide.

A holiday fund, condo or co-op fees and individual acts of kindness finance employee tips in many buildings. "Some residents are extremely generous, some can't afford to give, some are just curmudgeons and some give individually," says an employee of one Georgetown condo, requesting anonymity in exchange for candor. Donations ranging from $10 to $500 are pooled, and the money is apportioned by staff seniority. In a nearby rental building, one donor considers 10 percent of a month's rent -- about $150 -- an equitable gift to his building's staff fund.

Barbers, hairstylists, spa personnel

Makia Simmons normally gets as much as a $10 tip on a $23 haircut at Wall's Barber Shop near the White House, but December tips can jump to $20. "A good pair of clippers" was a particularly welcome gift one year, she says.

Hairstylist Jason Santiago of Fusion Day Spa in the District, who charges $35 to $40 for men's haircuts and $60 to $65 for women, says tips run $3 to $5 higher at holidays. "The real good clients tip $20," though some give him sweets. "I would rather have money. I can buy my own cookies."

Fusion's Carolyn Davis, who does facials, waxing and reflexology treatments costing $80 to $99, says "the regular tip is $20. At Christmas I may get $30, half the value of a service or a gift card to Borders because they know I like to read." Her best tip ever? Sapphire earrings.

Bootblacks

Seven bucks buys a shoeshine at Lawrence Hilliard's stand in Wall's, so most patrons give him $8 to $10. "Sometimes there's an extra $10 at Christmas, or musical tapes," says Hilliard, who says he does not give better service to big tippers. "I like people, period. You will get laughter, conversation, just because of who I am."

House cleaners

"Some customers will give the price of one cleaning, and some will do much better," says Dennis Whitfield, owner of Maid to Order in Beltsville. Cleaning a small apartment averages $65, a three-bedroom house about $110. "When they call to ask, I say, 'Whatever you think they are worth.' "

Letter carriers

The U.S. Postal Service bans cash tips and allows only token gifts; edibles are expected to be shared with co-workers.

Nannies, full-time sitters