Short on Cash for the Holidays

I am running a little short on cash this Christmas. Is it acceptable to give a small gift to babysitters, hair dresser, ect instead of cash?

A small personal gift is always appreciated. If you are a good crafter or baker, consider making something for the person that you want to give something. In larger cities, it is often expected that a person will tip but that is not the custom in smaller towns and everyone understands being short on cash. A heartfelt thank you and something small and homemade should be fine for everyone on your Christmas list.