Gift vouchers. Seriously.
I think that most gifts end up in the charity shop anyway so, if a Trocaire/Bothar gift card would be frowned on, why not move towards the consumables? There is a good chance that people can then go and choose what they want.
I am totally against Christmas gifts anyway as I think that most people I know neither want or need anything at all but if someone must, then for me a voucher for Abbey/Gate Theatre, NCH, book/music store, or a good local restaurant will be used and appreciated.
mf