I can't remember the last time I bought one for my own tree. Books always make great presents, and run from inexpensive gifts to major presents because of their price range and quality. Small, paperback cartoon books are popular. There is a wide variety of subject matter, from political humor to travel. Retired people always seem to enjoy travel books, even if it's only to dream of vacation spots.
Younger people seem to favor humor.
This is a great personalized present. Recipes can be written up and presented in so many formats, from card collections to books. You can even make a recipe book from pretty pictures that you've collected from magazines during the year. Or, they can just be family favorites. This gift is upgraded when presented with one or more items featured in it.