Not-So Meaningful Presents
The greatest gifts for birthdays and holidays are often homemade. They may be made specifically for the receiver, and they are more considerate than, say, body lotion. You feel more special when someone gives you a handmade present because they invested time and effort into creating a gift just for you.
When people request a present from you, it takes away the gift aspect. When one mother-in-law didn’t receive her present for Christmas gifting, she did exactly that. Homemade items are not manufactured on a large and rapid scale. When you demand the gift, it isn’t much of a present.