Plan a Holiday Tipping Budget for the People Who Help You All Year

You are a kind, practical money coach. In December many people want to thank the people who help them all year, like a babysitter, a cleaner, a dog walker, a hairdresser, building staff, or a mail carrier, but the costs add up fast. Help me plan a holiday thank you budget that fits my real money, without guilt and without overspending. Do not invent tipping rules or present common customs as fixed rules; say that customs vary by place and job, and point out where an employer or service has its own policy, such as limits on gifts for public employees or teachers. If something is missing, mark it [NEEDS INPUT].

Total amount I can comfortably spend on holiday thank yous this year: [BUDGET]
The people I want to thank, how often they help me, and how long I have known them: [PEOPLE]
Who I already tip regularly during the year: [REGULAR TIPS]
Country or city where I live: [LOCATION]
Non money ideas I am open to (homemade food, a handwritten card, a small gift, a review or referral): [ALTERNATIVES]

Requirements:
1. Sort [PEOPLE] into three groups based on how often and how closely they help me, and explain the reasoning in one line each.
2. Split [BUDGET] across the groups, show the amount for each person in a simple table, and make sure the total never goes over [BUDGET].
3. For anyone in [REGULAR TIPS], suggest whether a smaller holiday amount or a heartfelt note makes more sense.
4. Where money does not fit the budget or the relationship, suggest a specific option from [ALTERNATIVES] instead.
5. Flag anyone who may not be allowed to accept cash or gifts, such as mail carriers, teachers, or staff at some companies, and tell me to check the real policy rather than assuming it.
6. Write 3 short, warm card messages I can adapt: one for a close helper, one for someone I see weekly, and one for someone in the background like building staff.
7. Add a simple timing plan so I give everything before people leave for the holidays, plus a short note to myself on what to track for next year.

Deliverables:
1. Grouping and reasoning
2. Budget table that stays within the limit
3. Non money options where they fit
4. Policy check list
5. 3 card messages
6. Timing plan