I try really hard to give thoughtful gifts and I get quite a bit of anxiety about it because over the years I do keep in mind what people have told me they like or don't like. One friend is a minimalist who doesn't want anything that isn't vegan or cruelty free, who avoids certain toxins and doesn't want anything that will be clutter. People who get migraines (as I do) I don't buy anything that I know triggers them for them, try to remember their preferences for the kind of wine they like and the chocolates they enjoy but also try to get something they might not buy for themselves (we only do foodie gifts between us). Its just really tough and I put myself though the mill over it.
This year I've bought a some really beautiful things for people (no cheap tat) that I'd be thrilled to get myself but when read that gifts I hate to get quite a few are on their repeatedly and I feel a bit defeated. I have in the past suggested with people that we don't do gifts but instead put the money towards a day out, a trip to the theatre together and a meal or something like that but it's met with rejection as people want the gifts.
People on here saying conflicting things to check in with them or ask them what to get them but many other expecting a lovely surprise, some people want you to ask what to get their kids others say it's taking the piss to expect them to come up with gift ideas for you.
I don't know it's just so stressful and spoils Christmas a bit, when I was younger and was just buying my friends a mini set of shower gel and body lotion from the Bodyshop and a big bar of dairy milk it was cheap and cheerful and felt a lot less stressful.