How to Buy Tip Envelopes

Using an envelope hides your tip amount from prying eyes.

Using an envelope for tips is a classy way to give gratuity to service providers like hairdressers and caterers. Concealing cash tips in a small envelope can avoid the awkwardness that might come with handing over or receiving a wad of cash and keeps prying eyes at bay.

Types & Sizes

Most tip envelopes are roughly the size of a business or playing card. They are properly sized to hold folded money. These are sometimes called "coin envelopes," and usually have glue seals.

Envelopes around 3-inches by 6.5-inches are big enough to fit an unfolded bill.

Where to Buy

Tip envelopes are sold in office supply stores and online. The US Postal Service website offers only mailing-size envelopes, which are not ideal for tips.

Typical Uses

More formal occasions call for tips of fresh, unfolded bills in an envelope that fits.

Smaller "coin envelopes" can be used for informal tipping, like at a salon; they can be sealed and handed to the front desk attendant to be given to the stylist later.

Etiquette suggests giving fresh bills to vendors like wedding caterers and florists, which should not be folded. The 3-inch by 6.5-inch envelope is ideal for this use, as using a standard letter envelope is inappropriate.

References

• Wedding Vendors: The Knot Cheat Sheet
• Salon Tipping: When, Who, and How Much to Tip at a Salon or Spa

Resources

• Envelopes for Tipping: Salon/Spa