I am relatively new to quilting so have only given away prayer quilts. But I have sewn for decades. Most un-crafty folks just don't recognize the love that is demonstrated in time, craft and patience to hand make an item. I gift carefully. If someone doesn't recognize hand art, they would probably prefer a purchased gift.
There are many organizations and hospitals/children's homes and so on that make very good use of hand made pillow cases, quilts, comforters, afghans. Think of the young lives that can be blessed with a handmade item of their own.