By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Tipping is something that most people do year-round, but during the holidays, it can get more confusing. It’s a topic that comes up every year, and as 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan tells us, it still leaves many scratching their heads.

To tip or not to tip, that’s the question. But who gets what? Here are some guidelines from The Emily Post Institute to help you out this holiday:

- At your hair salon, the cost of a normal visit would be a nice tip for a stylist that you see on a regular basis.

- Your babysitter? One evening’s pay plus a small gift from the kids. The babysitter will appreciate the extra cash and the kids will feel that they’re involved too.

- Newspaper carrier? Ten to thirty dollars in cash or a gift, unless you tip through the year. In that case a few extra dollars is sufficient.

- If you have a housekeeper/cleaning person, tip the cost of one visit.

- For a personal trainer, tip the cost of one session.

- Cash isn’t really appropriate for a child’s teacher. You can, however, give them a gift card.

- Some workers aren’t allowed to receive monetary gifts by law. Postal Carriers, for instance, can accept gifts worth up to $20, but they’re not allowed to accept cash.

To avoid getting caught empty-handed if you forget someone that provides great service to you year-round, I like to keep some small, wrapped items at home. Cookies, candles, bottles of wine, all work great in a pinch.

For an expanded list of tipping guidelines, visit: www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/tipping/92-holiday-tipping-is-really-holiday-thanking