The December round of tipping for services you've enjoyed all year can be confusing and sometimes stressful.

No one wants to commit the faux pas of forgetting the unfailingly polite doorman who keeps track of packages, the hair stylist who works wonders and the dedicated dog walker who shows up even when it's 18 degrees.

But there are myriad people in our lives who provide services, so who should be remembered and how much generosity should be shown?

Many etiquette experts emphasize that year-end tipping is about showing appreciation for those who have worked hard for you, so the exact amount shouldn't be a huge worry. Think about those who perform valuable services for you during the year and make a list. Consider your budget and how much you can spend on each person.

Ensuring the thank you is appropriate also is important. A cash gift for a hard-working teacher, for instance, is not a good idea. Instead, think about giving him or her a small and thoughtful token of appreciation — a book, perhaps, a gift card to an office-supply store or some home-baked cookies along with a nice note of thanks.

Doctors, lawyers, accountants, dentists, vets and salon owners should not receive tips during the holidays.

When giving money to the doorman, dog walker, hair stylist, massage therapist and others, ensure it's cash and always include a card of thanks. If you are unsure whether the recipient celebrates Christmas, make it a general holiday or new year card.

Some other guidelines from the Protocol School of Texas, the Emily Post Institute and Care.com:

Housekeepers and cleaners are the most-tipped service people during the holidays, Consumer Reports says. It found the median was $50, although typically people give the equivalent of the cost of one cleaning.

The apartment or condo building doorman should get $25-$100, depending on how upscale the building is and how helpful the doorman, or woman, is. There may be several doormen to recognize, so that might alter the amount you wish to give.

The babysitter should get an average pay for one day or night of caring for your children. A small gift from the kids also is appropriate.

The cost of one appointment typically is given to hair stylists, nail technicians, personal trainers and massage therapists. The newspaper carrier should receive $10-$20 and the dog walker should get the cost of one week's pay for taking care of your pooch.

It's also a kind gesture to put a little extra in the tip jar at your favorite coffee shop for the barista who makes the perfect leaf design in your foam every morning.