I made a quilt for my mom and included linen I had from her mom. She loves it and shows it to everyone but refuses to use it. It is too special. ARGH! Now I am working on a small throw for her that is not going to be special and if I hear one word about her being cold - THERE WILL BE WORDS.
My sister recently took the quilt I made her off the bed because it no longer went with the décor (and it really doesn't). I had sent her a wallhanging of a giraffe. She likes it but it doesn't go. So I know that I enjoyed making it and she enjoyed getting it. That's enough.
Some people ask me for quilts but I know how they handle their things and it will be cold day in hell before I give them something hand-made.
My guild has a community service group and I enjoy giving to them as well. Sometimes it's just a batch of blocks, sometimes a top, and sometimes a finished project. These items go to kids who get admitted to local hospitals. We get the sweetest thank you notes from the parents or caregivers - makes my heart happy to know that my work made someone smile.
I don't assume any longer that I know best what people like. If I want to make them a quilt I try to find out (inconspicuously) what they like and even if they like quilts (or hand-made items). If I can find a fit - I make it work. Of not, there are always gift cards.