I have a lot of friends whose significant others don't really appreciate hand-knit gifts,
I don't have that problem. In fact, I have the reverse. I knit Jose a pair of socks a couple of years ago before I was an experienced sock knitter. The yarn didn't really suit the socks, I knit them on size US 2 needles (I prefer 1s now for longer wear), and I kitchenered the toes incorrectly, so the seam popped rather quickly.
I decided this year that he needed a proper pair of socks after several reminders that his first pair was wearing out. I got some Louet Gems fingering weight from Webs, but it was kind of pink when it came in the mail, so I overdyed it a semi-solid light brown. These shouldn't have taken me so long, but I have so many other projects on the needles, they got pushed aside often.
I came home from knit night last night to a grumpy Jose. He was wearing one of his first socks on one foot, and his other foot was bare. He said, "Do you see that I am wearing one sock?"
I said yes, and asked why. He informed me that his other sock had completely burst at the toe seam. I asked him why he didn't put on some other socks, but I think he just wanted to make a point. So, today I finished his socks. He doesn't even know they're done yet (although they're wet and blocking right now), so I was able to snag a photo before he takes them from me.
Specs:
Pattern: Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder
Yarn: Louet Gems Fingering
Needles: US 1
Ravelry Project Page
Modifications: Cast on 72 stitches to fit his foot.