I only exchange with my sew group and it's not expected or mandatory. I like to find gifts that are suited for each member of the group. It's the only time I shop for other then family and I like it. When I worked gift exchanges were not done. Some did individual gifts to each other at random times though. My favorite generic gift to give is a basil plant in a pretty pot. I can buy the fresh full basil plants at the grocery store for about $5. Some get one plant is small pot some get four or five plants in a big pot.