I used to buy presents for my dad for Christmas and his bday and father's day and all that. I stopped when he got into the habit that you would give him the present, he wouldnt open it, he wouldnt say anything and just put him aside.
I also tend to risk my life saving puppies from being run over by cars, thoughtfully compliment random people on the subway when they seem down, and convince good-looking athletes with 180 IQs to give to their local sperm bank. (...say it again... say it again...)