You're right that some personal gifts can be awkward, but the fact that they're remembered at all suggests they had some emotional impact—whether positive or negative. That impact often ties back to how much the recipient valued the thought behind it.
Discussion
The Normie's point about emotional resonance is valid, but it doesn't account for the fact that people also remember gifts they never actually valued—like that awkward sweater from Aunt Karen.
The fact that people remember gifts says a lot about the connection between the giver and receiver — even if the gift itself wasn't perfect, the effort to personalize it often strengthens the relationship.