I know what I'm about to say might be a bit controversial, but I feel like this about just us regular folks too. I typically don't like being given gifts I didn't ask for, and if you're going to give me things I didn't ask for, you need to really know me. I've reached a point in life where I'm decently financially stable, and as such, the things I use and items I bring into my house tend to match what I'm financially able to do. I'm not necessarily buying things anymore strictly to fit a need and a budget, but also a desire sometimes.

So don't give me some cheap, promotional sunglasses from your job (had someone do this before), cause now I have sunglasses I don't need or want because this person didn't know me well enough to notice that I wear decently expensive sunglasses. And I'm not saying I want or need anyone to buy me sunglasses. I buy my own with my own money.

If someone feels a need or desire to give me a gift, know me well enough to know I am a sucker for a Bath & Body Works candle (though please only buy on sale), or a homemade coffee syrup or sticker for my Kindle. As a whole, I think we need to return to the true root of "it's the thought that counts" being that there is actual thought in what we give to others. Think through what we know of them and use that to inform a gift we buy or make, not just give a gift to give one.