HELPFUL Holiday Tip Guide

[nursegirl6572]

It's always hard to know what to give people like the mail carrier, teachers, etc.  This is a good guide.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Tip This Holiday Season

"Planning for the holidays can be hectic and time consuming. While the holiday season expresses a spirit of giving, holiday tipping may be difficult to manage in terms of who should be tipped and how much should be given.

Over the past few years, consumers have set a tight budget on holiday tipping due to the nation’s frail economy. However, with a five-year high on consumer sentiment, recent labor reports, and a rise in contributions to 401(k)’s and rising house prices, a number of indicators show that the economy is steadily improving."

Click the link to see the whole guide.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/holiday-tipping-guide-2012-190918182.html

[specialmom]

I'd ike the recipe---  as in 'how much' of eac part Barb!

[rivll]

Yes, the tea sounds good.
I drink a lot of tea. I think Jane Austen got me into it :). I like the spicy teas. Tang, I am not too sure about...haven't drank that since 1962, I believe.
But the other ingredients look good.

[Barb135]

Are you talking about the tea?  Recipe for free.........

[rivll]

Yum. That sounds really good.

[Barb135]

I have a recipe for a spiced tea mix that uses instant tea, powdered lemonade, tang, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg. One year I mixed up a batch of that and put it in jars, along with the recipe in case anyone wanted to make it.  You use a couple spoonfuls, with hot water for each of tea.  It's a great cold weather drink.

Mini loaves of pumpkin, cranberry walnut or banana bread usually go over well, too.

Since I do wood burning, I'm working on some ornaments, as well.

[rivll]

Also, books make great gifts. There are a lot of places to buy them second hand and as long as they are clean and in good condition, there is no reason to buy new.
I give books of particular interest to the individual. Bird books to fellow birders, Sci fi to my weirdo neighbor (talk about the pot calling the kettle..lol) and so on. My kids got me a Kindle so I am in the process of gifting and donating hundreds of books as I replace my favorites electronically.
Of course a book that you can hold and turn the pages of, inhale its mustiness and that has special meaning can never be replaced electronically. There will always be some books sitting on my shelves.
Also herb plants in nice pots are nice and easy. One year I made a bunch of sweet little terrariums.