Ì can't make jam. Tried but can't do it. I love nice food, so either buy the really good homemade stuff, or am grateful for gifts from people who can make it.
The thing is, being a foodie is a hobby - it's not a moral imperative. There's nothing at all wrong with being into other things, seeing food just as fuel, or really not having a good palate. I find sports boring, and am useless at them, too. It's unreasonable to attack people for not being into good food. But it's also unreasonable to misrepresent why people on this thread bang on about the care and love, right after they reacted that way when told making the food is cheapskate.
I used to get paid for baking. I do it to a very high standard. These days, with kids and other work, I only do it as a thank you or birthday/Christmas present. I know those are appreciated because I'm asked to bake for special events, paid, by the recipients. But it is just food. It's not like I write amazing poems for every person as a published and acclaimed poet. I'm not some Grammy award winner writing personal love songs. I bake a bloody cake, which gets eaten, and evokes a slightly fond memory.
I think the people who mention knowing your audience are right. There are some people who would love such presents, and some who would be, "...is that it?" and no matter the love and care, giving that present to those people is pointless.
When it comes to a present from an acquaintance, though, basic good manners dictates that you are appreciative, no matter what it is. They don't know you, they were kind enough to think of you, that is all that matters. Socks, jam, cake, or bottle of vintage wine - irrelevant. It was kind.