For many years my three daughters have got together and have chosen one lovely present for me for each occasion. However, when I was small and my parents had no money hand knitted hat, gloves, mittens and any other sort of clothing that I needed.
One present does stick in my mind. It was from my well off ex MIL for my thirtieth birthday, three small Tupperware containers. I was upset later but ex never reproached her.
When my ex asked, years later, what did I think our daughters would like for their thirtieths from him, I replied, not Tupperware. He said I wasn’t being nice.