By Danica LaFaire, Owner, Fish Window Cleaning of Northwest Florida
Hey there, Northwest Florida!
As Thanksgiving approaches and the year winds down, conversations about gratitude fill the air—and with them, the question that’s been making everyone scratch their head lately: to tip or not to tip?
If you’ve felt a little confused or even fatigued by tipping lately, you’re not alone. Between iPads that flip around with preset options and ever-changing “expected” percentages, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong no matter what you choose. But I’d like to offer a refreshing perspective: gratitude first, generosity second.
Tipping, at its best, is simply a gesture of thanks — a way to acknowledge the people who make our daily lives smoother, cleaner and a little brighter. Sometimes that gratitude shows up as a few extra dollars, sometimes as a handwritten card and sometimes as a sincere “thank you, I appreciate you.” Each can be equally meaningful.
So, Who Should We Remember This Season?
The holidays bring a flurry of deliveries and behind-the-scenes work. Here are a few folks who carry a heavier load this time of year:
Mail carriers (USPS): Federal employees can’t accept cash or gift cards, but they can accept a small non-cash gift (under $20 value) such as snacks, coffee or a simple token of appreciation.
Package drivers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon): Cash or gift cards are allowed, though most companies discourage anything over $25.
Trash and recycling crews: A cash tip of $10–$30 per worker (or a small gift if you don’t see them directly) is thoughtful and appreciated.
Yard crews, house cleaners, pet sitters and window cleaners: A one-time bonus equal to one service visit, or whatever fits comfortably in your budget, is always generous, but never expected.
Teachers and caregivers: These everyday heroes pour so much heart into the lives they touch. While many can’t accept cash, heartfelt gifts go a long way — think handwritten notes from your family or child, classroom supplies, coffee shop gift cards, or a small basket of treats. For caregivers and in-home aides’ rules can be different; a cash bonus or gift card that says “we see what you do” can mean more than you know. The key is the thought behind it — recognizing the quiet, consistent care they give all year long.
911 response teams — our firefighters, officers, dispatchers, and paramedics: These heroes can’t accept tips, but a tray of cookies dropped off, a thank-you card from your family, or volunteering with an organization that supports them goes a long way in reminding them they’re appreciated.
Asking (or Offering) Gracefully
If you’re unsure whether tipping is appropriate, it’s perfectly fine to ask, “I’d love to show my appreciation — is there a way that’s acceptable?” Gratitude shouldn’t feel awkward, and a simple question opens the door for clarity.
At Fish Window Cleaning, our team doesn’t expect tips — not at all. But when they do happen, the gratitude runs both ways. We’ve seen techs light up at a thank-you note, a kind word or a holiday cookie box just as much as a cash envelope. These gestures remind them that the work they do — often early, hot or high up on a ladder — makes someone’s day brighter.
More Ways to Show Appreciation
A “thank you” can take countless forms. You can:
- Drop off coffee or cookies to the crews that serve your neighborhood.
- Write a few handwritten notes to your regular service providers.
- Leave an online review or tag a local business on social media.
- Shop local and support small businesses during the holidays.
- Volunteer with a community organization that supports first responders, families, or local causes.
Each one of these is an act of gratitude in motion — a reminder that appreciation doesn’t have to cost much to mean a lot.
A Gentle Reminder
Generosity isn’t measured in dollars. It’s measured in mindfulness. A tip, a thank-you or even just patience during the busy season are all forms of kindness that ripple outward. Give what feels right, skip what doesn’t, and never feel pressured by screens, norms or social media lists.
This holiday season, may we all find gratitude in the small moments — the clear views, the open doors and the people who help us see a little more light in our days.
