As a former teacher, I always give gift cards to teachers. I'm not sure about day care providers though.
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade or sound negative, but teachers are known to get the same gifts over and over again. I have an older teacher friend that literally has BOXES full of mugs, ornaments, etc. It's not to say that they won't appreciate them because they will. It's just nice being acknowledged. I'm just practical when it comes to gift giving and that's why I give gift cards, usually to Borders or Barnes and Noble. I'm just not sappy about gifts, but that's just me.
Of course everyone loves cold, hard cash!
