An iPod for your daughter: $300. Dessert for Christmas dinner at Grandma's house: $20. Knowing what to tip the service providers in our lives: Priceless.

Yes, 'tis the season to give back to those who've given us great service all year round. To tip or not to tip ... that is the question everywhere we go this time of year. When it comes to doling out the dough, what are the rules of holiday tipping?

The etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute say you should tip your newspaper person $10 to $20. The mail carrier should get a gift worth up to $20, because the government frowns on cash. The trash collector should get between $10 and $30. If you have a housekeeper, he or she should get one day's pay.

It's the thought that counts, and if you forget, you may be reminded. A colleague received a printed holiday greeting from his trash collector that included his name and home address. It seems he's expecting a tip.

Calling all parents: Your babysitter gets one evening's pay, and your daycare provider gets $25 to $70. Teachers should get gifts, not cash.

If you want to tip your hairstylist, experts say you should tip about the cost of a haircut, depending on your finances and what your haircuts cost. Experts say tips should be put inside a holiday card, and never in a plain envelope. If you're handing a tip to a person, cash is preferable.

WCCO- Ben Tracy