2020 Holiday Tips Survey: The Results are IN!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Here are the key findings from the annual Park Slope Parents Holiday Tips Survey, in which Brooklyn residents report their upcoming end-of-year gifts to service providers, nannies, and teachers.

·         New Yorkers are being more generous this year. Three in ten are paying MORE this year than last year, with two out of three paying about the same. Only four percent say they are paying less.

·         Doorman buildings have their costs. Living in a doorman building with a super, door hosts and porter will cost you an extra $400 in tips this year.

·         Giving your housecleaner one week’s pay as a bonus is standard. Of those who report giving a bonus related to weekly pay, 89 percent give one week’s pay, while 21 percent give more than that.

·         Gifts for K-12 teachers are up. The amount people are giving to K-12 teachers is up from last year. The most frequent amount given to teachers is $50, but this year’s average increased from $45 to $60. During the pandemic, these teachers have had to pivot to new platforms and handle increased safety measures without increased pay, so a generous tip seems well-deserved!

·         Daycare and preschool teachers will also feel more love this year. While the most frequently mentioned monetary gift for both head and secondary teachers is $50, averages are up this year ($83 for head teachers, $64 for secondary). Unlike K-12, parents typically give separately rather than as a group/class gift, with two out of three (68 percent) giving an individual gift.

·         Tips to neighborhood service providers are UP from prior years. Reported tips for supers, door security, package delivery, and other neighborhood services are up from last year. Last year’s figures had dropped from the prior year. This year, three in ten report giving a token of appreciation (homemade baked goods, alcohol, crafts).

·         Folks are showing gratitude with added gifts. One in three (32 percent) are giving something more than cash (homemade cookies, treats, wine) to their service providers.

·         Almost all employers (98 percent) with nannies plan on giving a monetary bonus this year. The standard holiday bonus is a week’s pay (77% give this amount). The increase in average holiday bonus is over $200.

·         Thank everyone. A kind gesture to the people that support your family’s day-to-day life (e.g., crossing guards, hair stylists, accountants, after-school staff, tutors, and therapists) goes a long way. These folks love to feel appreciated too! We understand that there are many folks who have lost their jobs in this economy, but if you can, give; and if you can’t, a written recognition is wonderful too.   

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The PSP Gift Guide: 3s, 4s, and 5s

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

The ultimate gift guide for the 3s, 4s, and 5s in your life has arrived! From art supplies to costumes to puzzles and beyond, Park Slope Parents members have suggestions for kids of all genders, interests, and attention spans.

Read on for the recommendations—and if you’re not already a member of PSP, join our community today to connect with families raising young ones the same age as yours.

Shopping for someone on the younger side? We have crowdsourced Fantastic First Birthday Gift Ideas, plus member recs for Top Toddler Toys and Activities!

PSP may receive small amounts of compensation for purchases made through affiliate links in this post. We are a community-supported site, and we include these products because they've received positive reviews from our members.

Adventurer kit

Things to include…

-Binoculars

-Flashlight

-Journal

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