I usually don't tell the recipient what I'm gifting. I'll try to find out color/pattern preferences on baby items but that's about it. And gender if it's known. The last baby quilt I did was for a couple where I didn't know the mom. I wanted to make that quilt because the dad was the person who found my FW for me. I used the FW to make the quilt. I found gender neutral colors that I liked. Was also able to find a themed fabric for an activity that is/was common with the dad/us. The mom was absolutely delighted and the dad was overwhelmed with emotion. And as I do with all quilts that I make/gift they had strict instructions to USE the quilt!