I made throw-size quilts for my dad and step-mom last year for Christmas. Poured my heart and soul into them. They have been woodcrafters for over 30 years, so my thought was-they will really appreciate these...they definitely know the value of homemade...wrong. Dad called and said "Thanks for the little blankets, they are nice". I just about had to scrape myself off the floor. A few months later, I explained why I had taken so long to choose the patterns and the fabrics that I did for each quilt and still think it fell on deaf ears!
But, I don't let that stop me from giving them as gifts!