I am quite like you.
Most of what my DD and DGD wished for are things they would just "use every day". Toner, mascara, skin stuff, perfume, hair stuff, body lotions, etc. Luckily, they did ask for some other things too. I think you get people what they want and what you think they'll like. I get everyone things like candies, nuts, jars of fancy little things like jam, mustard, cheese toppers, etc for stocking stuffers and every year my DH wants coffee he would not buy himself because of the price. Ditto for him asking for snacks and me asking for chocolates, shoes and spices.
In reality, there is nothing that exists that someone wouldn't buy themselves if they wanted to and can afford it, so I don't understand the fuss about getting something useful, IF that's what they want. I also don't understand the "just going by someone's list". I go by their lists. There will always be a surprise or two, but I want to get people what they want/need for Christmas for the most part and a couple of things I think they might like. No complaints so far.....
It's not always the thought that counts because, too often, there was no thought to begin with, so nothing to "count". I have no idea why people would be like that, especially with people they claim to love and cherish.