As we're out and about enjoying the holidays this year, we will more than likely interact with someone in the service industry. We may be served by a waitress, greeted by a host, or checked out by a cashier.
These folks are hustling to pay their bills and hopefully, they will make enough to have a happy holiday with their family. Unfortunately, these positions are some of the lowest-paying jobs in the US. The average waiter or waitress in the US makes around $25,000 per year.
While we can't easily change the landscape of the service industry, we sure can give back to our neighbors who are working hard during the holidays.
As a small gesture of thanks and paying it forward, my wife and I are giving $100 tips randomly to people in the service industry this year. We're hoping you will join us too.
We're calling it #BigTipTuesday! Here's how it'll go in 5 easy and fun steps:
1. Pick Your Tuesday
Choose a random Tuesday between now and December 31st.
Why Tuesday? I have no idea. It had some great alliteration (Big Tip Tuesday) and the more random the better. Who expects a $100 tip on a Tuesday?!
But seriously, choose any day you’d like, just commit.
2. Choose Your Place
Go to a place where someone in the service industry is working during the holidays to make money or simply make ends meet. Here are some sample locations:
- Local diner
- Coffee shop
- Fast food restaurant
- Casual sandwich shop
- Hair salon
- Barber
- Uber / Lyft
- Pizza delivery person
- Doordash
You could even think about someone you've interacted with this year who works in the service industry. Is there someone that you'd love to generously tip and make them smile?
3. Leave the Big Tip
Buy something for yourself and leave a VERY generous tip. The size of that tip is up to you. You decide what “generous” means.
Nicole and I allocate 1% of our tax home pay to random acts of kindness like this so we’re more than likely going to give away a series of $100 tips at random.
Like we’ve done in the past, we will involve the kids too. That way, they can see this fun kindness in action.
4. Write on the Receipt
If you get a receipt, write on the receipt #BigTipTuesday and leave them a note of gratitude for their service and wish them a happy holiday.
For example: “Thank you for the great meal and your smile! Have a wonderful day! #BigTipTuesday”
As simple as that!
5. Share It and Inspire Others to Give
Share the receipt on social media with the hashtag #BigTipTuesday and tell everyone about your fun adventure in big tipping. (Make sure to remove any credit card information before posting on social media!)
Please contact me or comment below to tell me how it went. I want to feature your kindness to inspire others!
This sort of stuff is infectious and your generosity just may spread!
Related Article: 50 Quotes About Giving and Helping Others
Our Giving Goal
Last year, our community gave $1,490 to hard-working people in the service industry around our country. From New York to California to Georgia and a half dozen other locations, our community came out with a generous bang!
I would love for our community to exceed that amount. I’m shooting for $2,000 this holiday season. I think we can do it!
That would be $2,000 of joy spread to those who are hustling during the holidays. With this extra cash, they could:
- Pay off debt faster
- Save for an emergency
- Give gifts to their family
Giving is so much fun. Think about the smile you’ll bring to someone’s face who's not expecting it.
For reference, here is the giving our community has done over the past 5 years!
| YEAR | COMMUNITY GIVING AMOUNT |
| 2018 | $1,020 |
| 2019 | $820 |
| 2020 | $1,501 |
| 2021 | $2,500 |
| 2022 | $1,490 |
| TOTAL | $7,331 |
Final Thoughts on Giving $100 Tips During the Holidays
Thanks for considering it. Again, if and when you give, please contact me or leave a comment below. I’ll be sharing all of your giving on the upcoming podcasts in the future!
Remember goodness, kindness and giving are infectious — so let’s spread some joy this holiday season. This platform will be the megaphone to share your good deeds. And I'll report back on our family's #BigTipTuesday experience soon!
Are you in for Big Tip Tuesday? What do you think about giving $100 tips during the holidays?
Please let me know in the comments below!
15 Comments
Love the idea! Today was my Tuesday. My waitress was shocked and very appreciative!
I’m so glad to hear this KBT! Thank you for sharing! I’ll add you to the total for this year’s goal!
ON IT!!
Thank you so much! I look forward to hearing about your adventures in giving!!
As a former server, this warms my heart! Thanks for spearheading this.
I’m glad to hear that Melanie! Tomorrow I’m getting out there for another Big Tip!
I used to wait tables years back and I’ll never forget the time that someone left me $120 tip on a $60 bill. As someone who was in grad school, living on my own, and making less than $2,000 per month, it made a huge impact and lasting impression on me.
Count me in for this challenge!
I’m so happy to hear you’re in! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Thank you!
One note:) We have done this for a favorite waitress who was having problems providing Christmas for her kids one year. BUT if you just leave it as a tip in some places, it goes into a “tip jar” and will be split many ways. We asked the owner how to get around this and he suggested putting it in an envelope with her name on it. Then, technically, it isn’t a tip.
This is an excellent point! Thank you!
I’m new to the super Giving :)
Absolutely awesome idea, Andy…
…and a great video to boot. I just shared it on the new post I put up today.
I think there will be a lot more than just ten. :)
That is INCREDIBLE news! Thank you so much.
I love this community!
This is such a great idea!! I used to be a waitress and remember receiving a $100 tip once. It was amazing. I have also given $100 at Christmas for people to buy presents and it was equally amazing. Not sure which was a better feeling, honestly!
I look forward to experiencing the joy of giving with my family!
The reason for the season!