I've only gifted to family members or donated to charity (mostly teenagers at children's hospital). I would rather ask someone if they would like them, than surprise them and see it at their garage sale in the summer.
Until you start making stuff and gifting it, you don't realize that a lot of people do not like handmade stuff or simply have a different life style that does not include quilts. Perhaps they simply have too much stuff. By asking them first, you avoid an awkward situation. That said, you KNOW people who love surprises and are appreciative. My former boss adored the wall quilt I gave him. He only brought it home to show his wife and then put it up in his office (no kidding!). I had not quilted all that long at the time, but you sure could tell he appreciated it! The quilt was similar to poster ArtsyOne's avatar.