It is much more fun to do things for and give things to appreciative people.
That said, there are people in this world who may fall in one of these other categories:
1) They appreciated/liked whatever but didn't have enough sense to acknowledge/thank the giver
2) They did not like/appreciate whatever but didn't want to hurt the giver's feelings
3) They did not like/appreciate whatever and didn't care if they hurt the giver's feelings.
To me, a true gift for me is something I want - not something someone else thinks I should want. For example, a coffeemaker, when I don't drink coffee, is not an exciting gift. Nor do I think a gift certificate to my LQS to someone that HATES all sewing and craft projects would be particularly welcomed, even though it's something I would really be happy to receive.
As others have said, think of what the RECIPIENT would want when giving a gift - and also what you are willing to give -