Research Buying a gift for a person within that persons field of expertise must be done carefully, read product reviews, get expert opinions from those similar to the recipient, or just ask the person what they would like.
Presentation Put up a banner. Put a message on the cake. Design a covering for a bottle of wine. Make your own card. Your creativity will make the gift more memorable.
The trip Give the gift of an experience, it could be a shared experience, or made for and to be enjoyed by the recipient alone. This is my favorite because it will be memorable for years of enjoyment, may bring the gift giver and recipient closer if it is a shared trip, and the gift itself doesnt take up any space. I got tired of years of giving mom something that she would just put on a shelf and never use.