How Much Do I Need to Tip the Hostess?

When in question, I usually do 20% for anything. If that seems too little for cost/effort, I'll give more. If it seems to much for cost/effort, I'll do less. WIng it, but 20% is usually a decent guide. And verify that it's not included already.

Lol...TF, that reminds me if the episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun where John Lithgow's character is at dinner. He puts a whole stack of ones on the table and tells the waitress this is her "potential tip." Then over the course of the meal he takes ones off the stack and puts them back, depending on what she does. It's hilarious. So I can just see M. at the party...here is your potential tip...now how about that soda pitcher?

To answer the question, I agree with at least $20 or 20%, whichever is greater, as long as you get good service. Round up if she is great.

I treat a birthday party host/hostess much like a waiter/waitress. Fifteen - twenty percent. With that, it depends on how much you have to do on your own. I have had parties that I had to carry drink cups back and forth to the soda fountain because the venue did not provide a pitcher, I cleaned spills, I cleared plates, the whole bit. I can't recall how much I tipped, but it very likely reflected my service. On the other side, I had parties that I was able to enjoy the guests and the hostess received the whole 20%.

I must be really stupid because I've never ever even considered tipping someone who is getting paid at least minimum wage. They aren't anything like a waiter or waitress who're only making a couple of dollars per hours. They get paid to do this. It's paid in the fee.

SO I have never considered tipping anyone like this.

I agree with 20%, but do make sure that no gratuity is included/added to the bill. Large parties (6 or more) at restaurants usually have 18% added in by the establishment. That's probably less likely at the rink since it's "included", but doubt check.

ETA: I get it AZneomom... We actually do tip pretty well upfront ( and don't take away any money), at the conclusion of the event we settle up with more tip.

I loved that show and I don't recall that episode! Great reminder!!'

I don't know the total cost of your party but I would at minimum give her personally $20-$25 cash. If she's exceptional, I'd give more.

If my numbers don't relate to 20% at least then recalculate and adjust up. Also... Make sure you give cash to her and early in the party so she knows from the get go that you're taking care of her. If you tip early, she'll try harder to make the party a success!

First ask if they include a tip in the cost.

We had a birthday party at a bouncy house place a couple years ago. The total cost was $140 for an hour and a half. I gave the helper $20 which I felt was more than adequate, considering she probably was getting minimum wage from her employer also.

To me, this is very subjective and can be personal. Do you have it to be extra generous? If you don't, then anything you choose is the correct amount and you shouldn't fret or worry yourself.

If it were me, I'd give her a $20 ahead of time when we spoke & are setting up. Thank her for her help in advance, you know all the politeness. Theoretically she'll be running around trying to make your party perfect for you! Then at the end if she was awesome I'd probably giver her another $20 or so maybe.

All depending on party atmosphere of course, how difficult was it, was everyone polite? That sort of thing.

Have a great party!

I do $20 vs. a percentage of the whole bill because typically, a party at a place like a rink will include the cost of ice and skates in the per-person charge vs. breaking out the facility and food/beverage charges separately. If they break out the food and beverage charges separately then do 20% of that but for a typical party of around 10 kids, $20 is enough.

I usually tip $20, regardless of the percentage for a child's birthday party. I would probably increase it if the party was incredibly expensive or if the host really went totally above and beyond, but I generally think $20 is sufficient for what they do.