You know that little jar by the cash box? The one where people drop in their extra coins? That’s a tip jar! And it sits there all day long, just hoping for money. But a plain jar is boring. It needs some words to make people smile and reach into their pockets.
I’ve been a coffee shop worker, a pizza guy, and a bartender. I know tip jars! And I’ve seen which funny words make the most money fall into those jars. Today, I’m sharing all my best tip jar tricks with you. Get ready to make your customers laugh – and open their wallets wider!
Funny Things to Write on Tip Jars
Need to boost your tips? These funny lines will get those dollars flowing. Each one is tested and proven to make people smile while they reach for their cash.
1. “Tips are like hugs without the awkward body contact”
Money feels good, and so do hugs. But hugs can be weird with strangers. This tip jar saying lets people show they like you without touching you! It’s perfect for shy folks who still want to say thanks.
The beauty of this line is it works in almost any setting. Coffee shops, hair salons, ice cream shops – anywhere people might feel friendly but not touchy-feely. It’s warm without being pushy.
2. “Our tips are used for staff tattoos and bad choices”
This one gets big laughs because it’s so honest! Everyone knows what it’s like to have extra cash and spend it on fun things. Your tip jar is just being upfront about it.
Use this at places with a young, hip vibe. Tattoo shops, bars, music venues, or trendy food spots. It works best when your staff actually looks like they might have some cool tattoos or wild stories to tell.
3. “Fear change? Leave it here”
This one is super short but super clever! It plays with the word “change” – both coins and being scared of new things. Most people have some loose change they don’t want to carry around.
Best used at places where people get lots of coins as change. Coffee stands, small food carts, or anywhere with quick, cash sales. It’s also great if your business is in an area with lots of people who seem a bit stuck in their ways.
4. “Tipping is good karma. Just saying.”
Everyone wants good karma! This tip jar saying gives people a little nudge about doing the right thing. It’s gentle but gets the point across that tips are good for the soul.
This works really well in places with a feel-good vibe. Juice bars, yoga studios, health food stores, or anywhere people are already thinking about being their best selves. The “just saying” part keeps it light and not too preachy.
5. “Tipping: it’s better than being on TikTok for another hour”
This one speaks to today’s phone addicts! It gently pokes fun at how we waste time online. Putting money in the tip jar feels like doing something real instead of just scrolling.
Perfect for shops that get younger crowds or places where you see lots of people on their phones. Coffee shops, waiting areas, or quick-service spots. It’s a friendly reminder to look up and be part of the real world.
6. “The more you tip, the prettier we look”
This one is silly but true! People look better when they’re happy, and tips make workers happy. It’s a fun way to say that good tips lead to better service and bigger smiles.
This tip jar saying shines in places where looks matter a bit. Hair salons, bars, fancy coffee shops, or anywhere with a bit of flirty fun in the air. Just make sure your whole team is okay with this joke before using it.
7. “Tips: because coins are too heavy to carry home”
We all know that feeling of heavy coins weighing down our pockets or purses. This sign gives people a good reason to empty those coins into your jar – it’s helping them out, really!
This works best at places where people get coins back with their change. Small shops, cafes, or anywhere with quick cash sales. It’s extra funny if your tip jar is already very full of coins, showing others had the same idea.
8. “Tips are like high-fives with money”
High-fives feel good! This tip jar saying makes giving money feel just as fun and friendly. It turns tipping from something people feel they have to do into something that feels good.
This works great in casual, upbeat places. Sports bars, fun cafes, ice cream shops, or anywhere with a happy, high-energy vibe. It’s best if your staff actually seems like the high-five type too!
9. “Every time you don’t tip, a puppy cries”
Nobody wants to make puppies sad! This tip jar saying uses cute guilt in a funny way. It’s silly enough that people don’t feel really bad, but just bad enough to drop in a dollar.
This one is perfect for any place that loves animals. Pet stores, vet offices, dog-friendly cafes, or anywhere that draws animal lovers. Bonus points if there’s a cute puppy picture next to the tip jar!
10. “Tip like someone is watching”
This plays on the saying “dance like nobody’s watching” but flips it around! It gives a little nudge that being kind with tips is the right thing to do, even if it’s just to look good.
Works well in busy places where people might feel seen by others. Coffee shops with long lines, open-concept restaurants, or anywhere with a crowd. The peer pressure is gentle but real!
11. “Tips accepted. Money preferred.”
This one is so silly it makes people stop and think. What else would tips be? Advice? Coupons? The joke helps people see your tip jar and laugh, which often leads to them fishing out some cash.
Great for places that deal with all kinds of people. Corner stores, busy lunch spots, or anywhere with a steady stream of different customers. It’s a good ice-breaker that works on almost everyone.
12. “College fund… or pizza fund. Who are we kidding?”
School is expensive! But pizza is important too. This tip jar saying is honest about where the money might really go, and people love that kind of truth. Most folks remember being young and hungry.
Perfect for shops with younger staff, especially if they look like students. Coffee houses near colleges, bookstores, or anywhere that hires lots of young people. It creates a moment of connection between the customer and worker.
13. “Tips: because nobody pays us to look this good”
This one has a touch of sass! It points out that looking nice at work takes effort, and that extra effort deserves extra reward. It’s funny without being too forward.
Works best in places where staff puts effort into looking good. Trendy shops, upscale cafes, or anywhere with a dress code or uniform. The staff should be in on the joke too, maybe with a little extra smile when people read it.
14. “If you fear change, leave it here”
We all get nervous about new things sometimes. This tip jar saying makes a funny play on the word “change” – both coins and new stuff. It gives people a good reason to empty their pockets.
This works in places where people get lots of coins back. Small shops, coffee stands, or anywhere with quick cash sales. It’s also great for businesses in areas going through changes or updates.
15. “Just the tip… of your money, that is!”
This one walks the line of being naughty but stays clean enough for most places. It catches attention with what sounds like a bad joke but ends up being innocent. People often laugh out of surprise.
Best used in adult settings where customers expect some humor. Bars, music venues, food trucks at festivals, or anywhere with a more grown-up crowd. You might want to skip this one in family places.
16. “Tips are like Pokémon – gotta collect ’em all!”
For the gamer and collector in all of us! This tip jar saying taps into that feeling of wanting to gather things. It makes tipping feel like part of a fun game or challenge.
This works great in geeky or playful spots. Game shops, comic book stores, bubble tea places, or anywhere with a younger or nerd-friendly crowd. Adding a small Pokémon sticker to the jar makes it even better!
17. “Tips are not expected… but they are accepted, admired, and appreciated!”
The start of this saying makes people think you don’t want tips – then the twist! The string of words starting with “a” makes it fun to say and read. It shows you’re grateful without being pushy.
This tip jar saying works in places that don’t usually get tips but wouldn’t mind them. Small shops, self-serve places, or anywhere that goes above normal service. The humble approach often gets better results than asking directly.
18. “Tipping is not a place in China”
This silly play on words makes people smile at how dumb-but-funny it is. Everyone knows what tipping means, but the joke breaks the ice around the sometimes awkward act of giving extra money.
This one is best for casual, laid-back spots. Diners, coffee shops, or anywhere with a no-fuss approach. It works well with older customers who might appreciate a simple, classic joke.
19. “This is a robbery… just kidding, it’s a tip jar.”
This starts with a shock, then quickly turns silly! It plays with the idea that asking for tips feels a bit like asking for money – which it is! The joke shows you know it’s a bit forward but you’re having fun with it.
Works best in places with a fun, easy-going vibe. Ice cream shops, casual cafes, or anywhere staff and customers joke around. Just make sure the jar doesn’t actually look like anything used in a real robbery!
20. “We’re saving up for a time machine. Your tip helps us go back and not drop your food.”
This tip jar saying uses sci-fi silliness to hint at better service. It makes people laugh at the idea of fixing past mistakes with future technology. Plus, nobody wants dropped food!
Perfect for busy food spots where small accidents might happen. Fast food joints, crowded cafes, or anywhere with quick service. It’s a good way to make light of the human side of food service.
21. “Tips: because the voices in my head say I need money”
This one is weird in a funny way! It plays with the idea of being a little crazy, which most people can relate to sometimes. The slight edge makes it stand out from boring tip jars.
This works in places with a quirky vibe. Independent coffee shops, small bookstores, or anywhere with staff who might be seen as “characters.” It’s good for starting conversations with customers who get the humor.
22. “Tip us! We’re too pretty to be homeless!”
A bit cheeky but effective! This tip jar saying uses mild shock value to get attention. It’s over-the-top enough that people know it’s a joke but still hits the point that tips really help workers pay bills.
This one is for places with a bold, sassy staff. Hair salons, busy bars, or anywhere workers have big personalities. Make sure your whole team is comfortable with this kind of humor before using it.
23. “Insert money here. This side up.”
Sometimes simple is best! This tip jar saying acts like people don’t know how to use a jar. The deadpan humor gets a small chuckle that often leads to tips. It’s like laughing at a dad joke.
Works in any setting where people might need a clear, simple instruction. Quick-service spots, busy counters, or anywhere with a mix of regular folks. The beauty is in how basic and obvious it is.
24. “Tipping: Cheaper than therapy for us”
Working with the public is hard! This tip jar saying lets people know that their extra dollars help keep the staff sane and happy. Most customers get that and want to help out.
Perfect for high-stress service jobs. Coffee shops during rush hour, busy lunch spots, or anywhere staff deals with lots of people. It creates a moment of understanding between worker and customer.
25. “Tips gladly accepted. Cash even more so.”
Another silly play on words that takes a second to get! Of course tips are cash – that’s what makes this funny. The small brain-twist makes people pause at the jar, which often leads to them leaving something.
This works well in places where people might give different kinds of tips. Food places where people might say “keep the change” or anywhere that both cash and card tips are possible. The gentle reminder for cash helps too.
26. “If you’re happy and you know it, tip our jar”
This one sings in your head! Playing off the famous kids’ song, it connects being happy with the service to leaving a tip. It’s bouncy, fun, and gives people a clear action to take.
Great for happy, upbeat places. Ice cream shops, bakeries, or anywhere that sells feel-good treats. The song connection works best when the mood is already light and cheerful.
27. “Feeling tipsy? Put it in the jar!”
This clever play on words works on two levels! “Tipsy” usually means a bit drunk, but here it also means wanting to tip. It’s cheeky without being too forward about asking for money.
This tip jar saying shines in places that serve alcohol. Bars, pubs, restaurants, or anywhere people might actually feel tipsy. The wordplay works even better after customers have had a drink or two!
28. “Need a penny, take a penny. Need a dollar, get a job.”
This twists the common “take a penny, leave a penny” trays seen at many cash registers. The surprise second line makes people laugh at the sudden turn. Most folks get the point without being offended.
Works best at places that already have penny trays or deal mostly in cash. Small shops, convenience stores, or anywhere with quick cash transactions. It’s a bit grumpy but in a funny way most people enjoy.
29. “Pretend it’s a wishing well… but our wish is always money”
Who doesn’t love a wishing well? This tip jar saying taps into that magical feeling but with a funny, honest twist. It turns tipping into something fun and a bit magical for both sides.
This works great in places with a bit of whimsy. Toy stores, candy shops, tourist spots, or anywhere that sells small joys. The magic angle makes tipping feel less like a duty and more like part of the fun.
30. “The struggle is real. The tips help.”
Simple and honest – sometimes that’s all you need! This tip jar saying cuts through jokes to the truth: service jobs are hard, and tips really do make a difference. The realness often connects with customers.
This works in almost any setting where workers depend on tips. Coffee shops, food service, delivery spots, or anywhere with hardworking staff. It’s direct but not pushy, letting people see the human side of tip jars.
Wrapping Up
Tip jars don’t have to be boring! With the right words, they can make people smile, laugh, and reach for their wallets all at once. The best tip jar sayings match your workplace vibe and speak to your specific customers.
Try a few different sayings to see what works best. You might be surprised which ones bring in the most cash! And don’t forget to change them up now and then – regular customers love seeing something new and funny each time they visit. Happy tipping!