A few years ago my BIL retired. I asked his wife what he would like for a retirement gift. She said a picture for their cabin as they were going to be spending a lot of time there after he retired.
At the time i kind of questioned that. My husband (his brother) suggested I make a wall hanging instead of buying a picture. So , stupidly , I did. It was all hand applique, an outdoorsy scene, lots of hours and work went into it. It had a really nice label to commemorate the occasion.
When we gave it to him, he was obviously less than impressed, totally underwhelmed. I was embarrassed by his reaction. Just when I thought I couldn't feel more diminished, he came up to me with two fancy, expensive camping chairs he had received from a friend and said, "look, Janie, this is what a retirement gift should be"
I would kill to get that wall hanging back. They have since sold the cabin and don't camp anymore so I wonder where the chairs are.
Now I am very careful about who gets my work. Besides quilting for my kids and grandkids, I get the most kick out of sewing for the preemies who never complain about their quilts. The hospital staff is always so appreciative when I show up with my donations.