The Platinum Rule
The Platinum Rule - when it comes to giving gifts -
Do unto others as they want to be done unto.
In other words, choose a gift that the RECIPIENT might want - not what you might want to receive.
Examples of what NOT to do:
If my husband gave me a top of the line set of golf clubs and all the gear that went with it - he would be thrilled to get it from me (assuming I picked out the right stuff) - but I would NOT be thrilled to get it from him.
If I gave my husband a gift certificate to Jo-Ann's - he would not be ecstatic.
If I give a gift of the very best chocolates in the world to someone that is allergic to chocolate - is that a thoughtful gift?
The point of this post - hard as it may be to believe - there are some people that do not want a guilt or handmade item. They do not appreciate it. It's not their thing. (I still think a polite thank you is still a requisite for a gift - however one actually feels about it)
I believe in avoiding the grief and disappointment of a giftee's apparent ingratitude for some gifts.
Actually, it's somewhat thoughtless of the giver to be unaware of what the giftee actually wants or needs.
Lessons learned the hard way. (From both sides of the equation)