Do you give good birthday/anniversary/MothersFathersDay/Christmas/Graduation gifts?

Until a few years ago, I was such a lazy gift giver. Friends got various items of clothing or handbags, my brother got a $20 bill for his Birthday, and my Dad inevitably got ties. Fathers Day, he got a tie. Christmas, he got another tie. Etc etc.

I don't know why I've changed, but recently I've put a lot more consideration into the gifts I give. And seriously, it makes me feel SO HAPPY to see people I care about express delight over their gifts.

This Friday night, I'm going over to my little cousins house. And while she's sleeping, I'm gonna be blowing up tons and tons of balloons. I plan on filling her room with balloons, and streamers and a big Happy Birthday sign so that when she wakes up, it'll be a magical and surprising transformation a la Little Princess style.

I also have special birthday surprises for Boyfriend's birthday in a few weeks, but I can't post about that or it'll ruin the surprise.

But yes. I love giving unusual and unique gifts. It takes more effort and sometimes more money, but it's so worth it I think. So are you thoughtful or are you a lazy bum. Or... do you simply not give gifts at all?