I also agree that counting money is a GOOD thing. It can avoid awkward situations for sure.
But I disagree that us providers are just lumped in with other service providers...I don't think we are in the same category at all. I get that some people aren't great at gift giving, I can't say I am great at it myself but even if money was an issue a cheap card with some nice words in it is pretty budget friendly and would mean more to me than any gift.
I don't even know what to think about a bottle of used self tanner...I mean why even bother at that point?