In fact, I was always the biggest alcoholic in my family, addicted to Jägermeister but I had to choose between continuing to drink and dying or stopping. Well, I'm here now writing this post
I had a severe alcohol problem but I hid it quite well, high functioning (most of the time, the other time I was hiding behind things like depression, anxiety, burnouts,...). So I got so much alcohol and alcohol related gifts as presents always. Then I finally started to cut down on drinking until I eventually stopped. But since no one really knew why I did that, they continued with the gifts. Even when I was pregnant and had a baby, I wasn't invited to drink but it was assumed I would pick it up again soon, so... More alcohol.
I just moved and my new landlord gave me a bottle of champagne. Though he even knew I am still breastfeeding (a great excuse to not drink) but "well a glass can't hurt on Christmas".
LOL! For me, it's any Guinness-branded merch and bourbon glasses. I'm not single anymore, and we had to subtly suggest a gift card for fancy coffee beans. Still got a sweet Guinness hat, though.
Personally I like gift cards and socks/underwear, I need those articles of clothing and the gift cards save me spending my money on those places I likely would’ve went to anyway
My (step?)mother in law is really hard to shop for. I always feel like I have no idea what to get her. She doesn't want for anything, she's pretty frugal/non-materialistic, doesn't really have any hobbies, is kinda boring, etc.
I do my best but always wonder if she's venting online like you (she isn't for sure).
If people buy you shitty gifts and say that, give them a better wishlist or clear guidance.