Frustrating. (On the other hand, it is REALLY nice when someone pays attention to you so s/he can buy you something you like. That job usually begins early in the year, though.) If you can't identify something the person would like, get a gift certificate to a store s/he likes.
That way, s/he can get exactly what s/he wants. You can always put the certificate in a box and wrap the box. You can even add something to the box so it has weight and makes noise when shaken.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.