I think I tend to assume as a giver that it's easier to deal with unwanted cookies than unwanted knick-knacks.
I totally agree with that. If someone gives me a knick knack I hate, I'll keep it for waaaaaaaay too long because I'll feel guilty if I get rid of it. If it's food, it's easier to give away. Even if I keep it, I don't feel bad tossing it once it goes bad.