Choosing gifts has never been my forte.I have indeed gifted various things to many friends, but I honestly do not know, whether they actually liked it. Oh yes, they do say it is nice, and thank you etc., but come on, definitely their choices will differ from mine.
Still, one thing I do know, When I gift something to my friends, I try my best to give something they want. To do so, I usually spend time with them talking about their likes, dislikes. More than often, I buy gifts when we r out. At a shop, when we r together, if their body language suggests that there is something that has caught their attention, then I make it a point to get them that thing.
Ofcourse, alot of it does depend on the budget too.But, its best more than often to ask discreetly what they want.
best results.