I guess these are just life's lessons but it is also pretty cold-hearted to outright tell you they didn't like them. At least they could have kept it to themselves and re-gifted them later, but to tell you that, after all the work, was just insensitive.
This is why I donate almost everything I make. Whoever likes it, gets it and that's fine with me. I figure they won't pick it out of the donation pile if it's not their "thing" and someone else will love it later. My joy is in the making of it.
I DO understand someone not liking a certain thing we would make them. I hate the color pink and, although I wouldn't show it outwardly, I'd take it home and give it away as soon as I could, so don't keep your hurt. It's not worth it. Live and learn :)