On my giftbuying, I had a parent who refused to give me any indication on what she wanted. So I spent the time, knowing what she liked, researching what to get her. Ended up with a unique experience day seeing an exhibition on Abba, her favourite band, with a load of original costumes etc, knowing she would enjoy it and having never seen anything like that before. Done all the planning, getting holiday approved at work etc, spent a lot on the ticket, plus train fares to get to the city. Probably set me back about £100.
She got me a £2 box of sweets, and £10 in cash. No gift or anything. "I didn't know what to get you".
I thought 3 years ago when she brought me a toilet brush for Christmas was bad enough, but I set my expectations low this year and she still failed to meet them.