I may be just a scrooge, but private coaches are so expensive and not doing you any favors that I don't is necessary or appropriate but tipping has gotten kind of out of hand and I could understand someone who feared the absence of a tip could hurt their kid. A bottle of wine or something like that might be more appropriate.

Depends on how often you used them. I gave my one coach just 1x (had him for 6 mos like 2x a week). This year he has flaked out a few times and cancelled so while I would have gone 2x this year probably just 1x.

Another coach for another child is awesome and I will do 2x.

In the past year my DD has started competing seriously in an individual sport and takes lessons several times a week with a private coach. What is an appropriate Christmas bonus? I have heard 1x or 2x the cost of a private lesson, but also have heard of other parents who give more than that.