Well I sincerely think that the gifts I have gotten in my life that meant the most were ones that someone really put some thought into.
Like I collect thimbles, love artsy things (art supplies, ceramics and fabric) so something related to that, oh and even just a simple greeting card that says something that is so right on and relative. I think the most fun ones were from the fifties or older.
It is like you say, whether it is fifty cents or something more. I just want to know they thought about me when they bought it, made it or gave it.