Americans have become more choosy about whom and how much to tip at the holidays. A recent survey shows 26 percent of Americans who usually tip or give a gift to a service provider said they would spend less this holiday season than last. Just 6 percent planned to spend more.

The average tip of $50 went to house cleaners. Sixty-four percent of Americans who used house cleaners gave them money or a gift. Least likely to be tipped: garbage collectors.

The top reason consumers skip tipping: a tight budget. But as Daniel Post Senning, great-great-grandson of etiquette maven Emily Post says, money isn’t everything.

“We like to say that holiday tipping is really holiday thanking,” he pointed out. “Words mean a lot, so you can say something even if you’re not a crafty person or a baking person. A genuine and thoughtful thank-you goes a long way.”

Consumer Advocate Jenn Strathman explains the etiquette of tipping and surprisingly the "thank you" doesn't have to include cash. See her story here. Make to watch the extra vignettes below the video player box for ideas and tips on creating a special thank you gift.

In the meantime, check out our animation below to see how much you should tip each type of worker.