I too have had many years of disappointing reactions to hand made gifts (or as my MIL puts it "home made").... I have a friend who made me start giving them again .... she told me she enjoys making her gifts (she makes purses) and she gives them out of love and doesn't care what people think... she continues to give them and just doesn't care ... I like her attitude. I enjoy the making of my projects and enjoy the giving and have just decided to follow my friend's lead ... given in love ... and let it go. I can't afford to buy everyone gifts, I make them out of my stash and make useful items (everyone gets a set of kitchen towels and potholders and parents this year got mug rugs or coasters). I don't share my quilts with many! THOSE are personal! Don't mess with my quilts!!! I make baby quilts for anyone who is having a baby and again, don't really care if they are appreciative or not .... other than that .... my blood, sweat and tears go into my other quilts and no one gets those without much consideration ....