I made things for a close friend that were useable, because I know she's a minimalist. I'd do things like placemats, towels, etc. She lives 3,200 miles away and visits nearby 2 times a year. On the last visit, she told me the grands come to visit and "want to take the things home." So she gives them to them (they are 2 &4). Oh please! But it's not worth losing a friendship over. So for this visit, I'm circumventing it by giving her pillowcases for the grands. The friend herself will get a small, silly gift that she can regift or throw away. It's the thought that is important.