I generally only make quilts for family. I try to notice what colors they wear. If I am in their home I notice what colors of bedspreads, carpets, wall décor, etc. they have and try to figure out what sort of décor and color they like. If they don't seem to care for quilts, I make something else such as pillows, dish towels, mug rugs, maybe a throw or something I think they will use. If I know they don't care for quilted stuff I may make jelly or seasoning mixes, cookie mixes, etc. If you are around them very much you usually know if they would treasure a quilt or not.