Life

I never know where to start (or end) when it comes to holiday gifting! Who should I be buying for and how much should I be spending?

Elissa L. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and etiquette expert Janet Watson, answered;

The holiday season presents us with an opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to the people who have regularly helped and served us throughout the year. But before you max out your credit cards by buying gifts for everyone you have come in contact with, have a look at the suggestions below:

For your Employees:

• Buy gifts of equal value for your staff but spend a bit more on your Executive Assistant and/or personal secretary.
• How much to spend: $25/staff gifts, $75-$100/Executive Assistant

For your Boss (if you're the Executive Assistant):

• It’s nice to give them something that says thank you.
• How much to spend: something in the $35-$40 range.

For your child’s teacher:

• Should give a small token of your appreciation.
• How much to spend: $10 OR organize a joint gift with the other parents, in which case each child could chip in $2.

• A nanny or care-giver.
• How much to spend: should be gifted one week’s pay plus a small gift worth $20-$25.

For a day-care provider:

• Could be given a small gift from your child plus a monetary gift from you.
• How much to spend: $50

• How much to spend: $20. 

For your personal trainer:

• Your personal trainer could either be given a monetary gift or a present 
• How much to spend: amount should be equal to one session.

For your hairstylist:

• Most of us regularly tip our hairdressers 15-20% following the service so it’s not necessary to buy an extra gift or tip a larger amount during the holidays. 

Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy:

SweetLife's Holiday Gift Guide

The Etiquette Class

Ashley B's tips to avoid the holiday rush