Is it really the thought that counts?

A real gift isn't free or expensive, it is just a gift. When I am given a gift, in most cases depending on who is giving me the gift, i don't necessarily feel obligated to give something back in return. Same as if i am giving a gift, i dont expect or necessarily want something in return. This might be because I have always thought its pointless to give nonsense gifts, like impersonal chachkee (sp?) holiday or birthday gifts, and have always thought if you are going to give someone a gift then it should be something specific and unique to them and something you feel you want and need to do. This would mean that you obviously have some type of close relationship with that person or have shared some sort of intimate moment with them and therefor could get actual enjoyment and use out of a gift as well as connect with you more. This is similar if not the same to the examples mentioned in our reading about the origins of gift giving, its supposed to be a process of thought, a way to show an interest and understanding in a relationship. When giving a true gift to someone you are in a sense giving them a part of yourself because its the way you interpret your relationship with someone. It is those gifts i receieve that i find it necessary to recipricate,ones that are impersonal or for selfish reasons i pretty much discard because its not "the thought of the gift" that counts if they have the same thought at one specific time a year, every year, and that is the only time you recieve gifts. Thats not a real thought, just a conidtioned habit.