tips for Cuban workers, maids, at resort hotels

Hi,
I've read that the staff at hotels would rather be given North American
items as tips rather than a couple of dollars, is this true and what
items would be most sought after than might only cost us 1 or 2
dollars?

Toothpaste, gum, etc. I'd love to know what would be best as I'm
travelling to Cuba in early August.

thx.

I find that staff would appreciate dollars better. Or better yet the
convertable Peso. On the other hand, when traveling the streets and you
meet up with people who are asking for $, NEVER do it unless they are
children and then give gifts such as pens and markers (school supplies)
or I once brought a case of baseballs and that went really quickly. If
you take photos of Cubans, many times a simple thank you will do or a
small gift such as a polaroid or pen, mini toothpaste, Travel size dove
soaps, Shampoos etc. But you may be asked for a convertable peso or
two, this is no different than many tourist spots all over the world
where people dress up in costume and expect to be paid. Same in Cuba,
if the person is in costume you need to ask how much for a photo first.