Holiday gifts for child caregivers and teachers

It's that time of year to figure out what you're going to give your daycare providers/teachers/teachers assistants for the holidays. A few inquiries we've received in past years :

Are you supposed to tip each childcare center worker for Christmas and can a gift work as well (especially baked goods) or is that cheap?

What about the giving a gift equal to one week's rate to a home daycare provider - does this unwritten rule of thumb still exist? I need ideas for meaningful gifts for my child's teacher that will be appreciated.

What do I tip our regular babysitter?

This year again we're getting our daycare provider a variety of things that we've made note of that she enjoys.

(And I really hope she doesn't stumble across this post: If so, spoiler alert!)

We're getting her a gift certificate for a nearby nail spa to get some much deserved pampering. She loves a fancy coffee drink treat every now and again so we'll get her a coffee card. And a really great box of dark chocolate sea salt caramels (yum!) because she's mentioned how much she enjoys them.

Here are some suggestions from elementary school teachers from Family Fun Magazine: What Teachers Really Want.

From Scholastic Parents: Teacher Gift Ideas

A common thread seems to be - it doesn't have to be expensive, but thoughtful and heart felt are appreciated.

What are you doing this year for your provider(s) or teachers?

Or are you a care provider or teacher who has a few suggestions or input?