I think the gift giving thing is so self serving. It's all about the gift giver feeling special and connected to the poor little servants. Just give them a cash tip and let them get on with their job. They don't want to be your best friend. Nobody wants to put off cleaning 25 toilets to hear about where you come from. This isn't 1940s France. Leave the chocolate bars and nylons at home and just say hello, please, and thank you. And let them get on with their work. $25 in cash tips is better then $20 cash and $5 worth of candy.