I give gifts to people regardless of reciprocation. it's not a gift to me if it's got expectations tied to it and the gift of giving is just that, to me, giving. But then I don't expect others to have to give me anything nor feel that they are ever obligated during holidays or my birthday. If you're a friend that is someone I care for, I'll likely give you something at Christmas if I can.
Freeing yourself up from the obligation of doing what others do for you or expecting them to reciprocate materialistically is really one that lifts a weight off your shoulders, if you ask me.
When it comes to reciprocation, in general, that's a whole different ball of wax which I won't go into here. Keep in mind I'm merely talking about the gift giving thing alone.