Would you buy a gift token?

It’s only X days until Christmas. The value of X will change depending on when you read this.
Christmas is one of those events that I have mixed feelings about. On the one hand I love it, whereas on the other I can remember so many squabbles and arguments with family members that I can really hate it.
But the big issue with Christmas, for me at least, is what to get people.
My mother and sister both maintain Amazon wishlists, as do I.
However, in the case of my sister, Amazon may not be off much help to her now that she is at University, as she needs textbooks more than anything else, so a standard book token might be more useful.
So what’s the issue?
If you give someone a gift token (aff), be it for Amazon, your corner shop or wherever the recipient will know how much you have spent.
I hate that in some ways, though if I get sent a token or voucher I still appreciate it.
It’s a catch 22 I guess.
What do other people do with the “awkward” people in your life?