One thing we need to do is to be sure and lead by example. I have gotten some wierd gifts over the years but I try to express my appreciation of their thought.
For those of us that are parents we need to be sure our children say thank you. My youngest daughter was recently married and even though she is an adult I made a point of asking her if she got all of the thank yous mailed out. I am proud to say she did (before I asked). (I'm still wondering if some of the gifts I gave to others actually made it to their destination)