Knowing who and how to tip can be difficult throughout the year. But, it's even more difficult during the holidays. The experts at Angie's List have put together this easy holiday tipping guide to make it easier for you.

Holiday-related services:

Personal shoppers/concierge/errand services -- A tip of 15 to 20 percent is recommended, possibly more, depending on the complexity or amount of work you have them do for you -- some of these services will do shopping, gift wrapping, mailing of gifts, etc.

Contractors who help hang your decorations, lights, etc. -- A tip of $20 to $50 for the crew may be in order, again based on the complexity of the task.

Event entertainment, like Santa impersonators, carolers or musicians -- a tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate.

Bag boys or others who help carry your packages to your car -- a tip of $1 per package/bag may be in order, though probably no more than $5.

Chefs or Caterers:

If you use this service throughout the year, a tip of $25 to $50 may be appropriate or a gift of equal value.

If you hire the chef for a holiday party or family gathering, tip 15 to 20 percent based on the final cost. However, many advise you shouldn’t include the cost of alcohol in determining the tip amount. However, it’s up to you.

For caterers working an event in your home, it’s customary to tip 15 to 20 percent spread among the captain and the servers.

Housecleaners:

Many suggest $25 to $50, a day’s pay or a gift of equal value.

If you use a service that sends a different housecleaner each time, this may not be necessary, unless you ask them to do some one-time tasks to help you prepare for the holidays -- such as helping unpack and put up decorations, a deep cleaning before a party, etc.

Baby sitters, nannies and child-care providers:

For baby sitters, the recommendation is a gift at the holidays from your kids, plus one or two nights pay.

For a full-time nanny, one to four weeks’ pay plus a small gift from your kids is appropriate.

For standard child-care providers, a gift at the holidays and $25 to $75 each. This may not be appropriate for some prekindergarten child-care/education providers. Check with the manager of the facility to see what’s appropriate, which may be a small gift from your kids.

Contractors you use year-round (such as yard workers, handymen, etc.):

A tip of $20 to $50 may be in order.

Mail carriers and daily paperboy:

Though the U.S. Postal Service frowns on gratuities and gifts for mail carriers, authorities request that the gift or gratuity be $20 or less.

For daily newspaper delivery, a holiday tip of $15 to $25 is appropriate.