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15% is the minimum for acceptable service. 18–20% is the current US standard for good service — this has shifted upward over the past decade. 25%+ is reserved for exceptional service. For counter service or fast casual dining, tipping is optional. For takeout, 10% is a kind gesture but not expected.

Yes. The standard is $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of your total tab — whichever is more. If you're running a tab, tip at the end rather than per drink. Good tipping builds goodwill with your bartender and typically results in faster, more generous service throughout the night.

The minimum is $3–5 regardless of order size, or 15–20% of the order total — whichever is higher. Tip more in bad weather, for large or heavy orders, or if you live in a walk-up building. Delivery drivers pay for their own gas and vehicle wear, so tips are a meaningful part of their income.

Not rude — tipping for takeout is genuinely optional in the US. If you do tip, 10% is a kind gesture, especially at independent restaurants where staff rely more heavily on tips. At chain restaurants, tipping for takeout is purely discretionary.

$3–5 per night is the standard. Leave cash daily — on the pillow or nightstand — because the person cleaning your room may change each day. Leave more ($5–10) for suites, extended stays, or if you made extra requests like additional towels or early cleaning.

20% is the standard tip for a good haircut or color service. If someone else shampooed your hair, tip them $3–5 separately in cash. For a major transformation or a last-minute appointment, consider tipping 25% to acknowledge the extra effort.

Yes — 20% is the standard for massage, facials, and other spa treatments. This applies even if a service charge appears on your bill, as it may not reach your therapist directly. Tipping in cash ensures your therapist receives 100% of it.

15% is the minimum, and 20% for good service. Tip more if the driver helped with heavy luggage, navigated difficult traffic, or went out of their way for you. You can tip through the app after your ride — drivers see and appreciate it.

Not required, but worth asking about. Service charges don't always go entirely to the server — some restaurants keep a portion. If you received exceptional service and want to make sure your server benefits, an additional 5–10% tip in cash is a kind gesture.

$20–50 per mover for a standard local move. More for a large home, multiple flights of stairs, extreme heat or cold, or particularly heavy furniture. Cash is strongly preferred. You can also offer drinks and food during the move — it goes a long way.

15–20% is standard for tattoo work, with 20%+ for a complex custom piece or if the artist accommodated you on short notice. Tip in cash when possible — artists appreciate it and it's not subject to credit card processing fees. A great tip also keeps you in their good graces for future appointments.

The most common US guideline is to cover the cost of your "plate" — roughly what it costs the couple to host you at the reception. For an average American wedding, that's $100–150 per guest. For a close friend or family member, $150–250 per couple is appropriate. Cash is genuinely the most appreciated wedding gift today — most couples are saving for a home, honeymoon, or other expenses.

It depends on your relationship: $15–25 for a colleague or neighbor, $25–50 for a friend, $50–100 for a close friend, and $75–150+ for immediate family. For milestone birthdays (18, 21, 30, 50), consider giving 1.5–2x your usual amount. Cash is almost always appreciated, especially for teens and young adults.

Absolutely — and often the most appreciated. Cash gives the recipient the freedom to spend on exactly what they need, whether that's rent, experiences, or something they wouldn't buy themselves. A thoughtful card with a heartfelt note makes a cash gift feel personal rather than impersonal.

Multiples of 18 are traditional in Jewish culture, as 18 represents "chai" (life in Hebrew). Common amounts: $54, $72, $108, $180, or $360. For a close family friend, $100–180 is appropriate. Cash, a check, or a savings bond are all well-received. If you're not Jewish, following this tradition shows cultural awareness and is always appreciated.

For high school graduation: $20–50 for friends, $50–100 for close friends or family. For college graduation: $50–100 for friends, $100–200 for close family. Cash is the most appreciated graduation gift — it helps cover moving costs, student loans, or a new apartment. A check with a genuine personal note means a great deal.

$30–50 for a colleague or acquaintance, $50–80 for a friend, and $75–130 for a close friend or family member. Practical gifts win every time — diapers, 6–12 month clothing (not newborn size, which gets outgrown immediately), or a gift card to a baby store. Consider joining a group gift for a larger item like a baby monitor or stroller accessory.

A heartfelt, thoughtful gift always outweighs an expensive one. A handwritten card with a personal message, a home-cooked meal, or a small token that shows you paid attention to what the person loves can mean more than a generic expensive gift. Use our "Tight budget" option in the Gift Guide for realistic minimum suggestions that are still appropriate.

$25–50 for a friend, $40–85 for a close friend, and $45–140 for family. Practical beats decorative — a quality kitchen item, a cozy throw blanket, or a plant tends to be more appreciated than a decorative piece that may not match their style. When in doubt, a gift card to a home store like Target or Amazon lets them choose exactly what they need.

$50–100 for friends, $75–150 for close friends, and $100–250 for family. A Quinceañera is a significant milestone — it marks a young woman's 15th birthday and transition to adulthood in Latin American tradition. Cash, jewelry, or a meaningful keepsake are all appropriate. If attending the celebration, aim to at least cover the cost of your attendance.

If you weren't invited, a gift is not expected. However, if you're close to the couple and would like to celebrate them, a modest gift ($30–75) or a heartfelt card is always appreciated. There's no obligation — your relationship with the couple is what matters most.

Up to one year after the wedding is considered acceptable etiquette — the old "rule" that gifts must arrive before the wedding is outdated. That said, giving within the first few months is courteous. If you're sending a late gift, a short note acknowledging the delay is a thoughtful touch.

It's a thoughtful gesture, not an obligation. A group gift from the class is often preferred — it allows for a more meaningful amount without putting pressure on individual families. $20–40 per family for a group gift is typical. Gift cards to Amazon, Target, or a restaurant are universally appreciated. Handmade cards from children often mean more to teachers than the monetary gift itself.

Yes — in situations where tipping isn't expected (counter service, fast food, self-checkout) or where service was genuinely poor (not just slow kitchen, which isn't the server's fault). When service is bad enough to warrant no tip, it's kind to let management know why — it gives the establishment a chance to address the issue rather than leaving the server guessing.

Technically, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is correct — your server didn't provide the service that the tax represents. In practice, the difference is small (usually $1–3) and most Americans tip on the total shown. Either approach is entirely acceptable — what matters is that you tip appropriately for the service.

The simplest approach: calculate the tip on the total bill and divide it equally among all diners, regardless of what each person ordered. If someone ordered significantly more, they should contribute proportionally. Use our Tip Calculator to split instantly — just enter the bill and number of people, and we'll show exactly what each person owes including their share of the tip.