Tipping is always tough, and it's a very personal thing. There is no right and wrong and, as Taylor has beautifully explained, service people are grateful for whatever we offer. I actually do choose to tip close to the cost of the service - to my hair stylist (been going to her for many years, she's amazing, a friend, and a widow and a single Mom and is always extremely grateful), manicurist, and house cleaner. I would rather spend my money on people who truly need the extra funds than buying the much less meaningful "stuff" we give each other at the holidays every year. If I had to choose for financial reasons, it would be a few less items of clothing, books, air pods, etc at home.
Cindy - love that you bought those pants - nice to do something like that!
Side note - I'm truly so sick of the gift thing at the holidays. This year I focused on experiences - tickets to symphony and play for my folks, tickets to a comedy show for my son. Goal? No.more.stuff.