I try to give gifts like that too. For example, I got my mom the tackiest c.1970 burnt orange and lime green "velvet" (chenille) sweater. You cannot imagine how vomitously ugly I found that sweater – but she wore it to death. Another time, I saw her favorite, most hideous lilac lipstick and got that for her – seriously, everyone hated that pinky-purple greasy lipstick on her; my sisters complained and dad told me off for getting her that lipstick.

I cannot remember gift from her that was something I would ever have chosen. For example: Mother was talented at crocheting. She offerd to make me an afghan in my favorite pattern – the shell – and asked what colors I wanted. I asked for shades of red (my favorite color) or a combination of jewel tones. She made me a lemon yellow and lime green afghan; I hate green – Green belongs in my wallet, in my yard and on my trees… not in my house and not on my person. Another time, she was so proud of her gift of a stupid toddler sized porcelain, redheaded Southern Belle doll she claimed looked like me – given when I was 55 years old.