“…Here's a book that should be on everyone's shelf…”

If you spend a large amount on someone, they’ll feel obligated to respond in kind, and chances are that’s not an option this holiday season. So giving could actually be interpreted as rude during a recession because it brings home and personalizes the pain of everyone’s shrinking bank accounts.

Most are well aware of this by now, and they’re not giving gifts this year or are sticking to a Secret Santa/Gift Exchange system. That’s great, but there are a few people who should receive gifts, no matter what:

• Kids 

• Those who make the bulk of their living from tips, like hairstylists, manicurists, newspaper delivery people, maids, nannies, babysitters. According to survey data, hairdressers make about 42% of their income in tips on average. Barbers make $1 less per hour, on average, than a hairstylist does in base pay, and tips account for about 21% of their income. Manicurists earn an average 67% of their income from tips. Both massage therapists, who make an average base of $33 an hour, and estheticians, who make a base $15 an hour, receive between 19% and 22% of their income through tips.

• Newlyweds (ahem, kidding!)

Am I forgetting anyone?

Tags: etiquette, gift-giving, holiday, recession