So do I (well, from my father's bees, that is...). But it illustrates exactly what the OP is talking about - this honey comes at low cost or free to us, but for the receiver it represents a much higher value. (prices around here for local, pure honey are 7 or 8 euros per 450 grams / about a pound). My kids sell my parents' honey for 5 euros and people are grateful for those low prices even, and treat it like we're doing them a favor.

I gift people some sourdough bread I make. The price of a loaf of bread is ridiculously cheap, much cheaper than my time would cost if I factored it in and my breads aren't perfectly baked every single time like a bakery with professionals can do.

Still, people appreciate it a lot, much more than if I purchased a better-looking loaf of bread from a professional baker for 2-3€.

I don't think it's necessarily tied to the value it represents to the receiver, it's the act of kindness with the unexpectedness of a gift that gives it value.

I used to do this but reciprocality meant that everyone started giving me back baked goods in return, usually really sweet stuff that I don't want in my diet.

I enjoy baking sourdough loaves to return favors though e.g. if s neighbour takes care of my lawn while I'm away. That's fun and keeps the books balanced.

I should have paid more attention, you are correct and it does illustrate their point.

I agree with the parent comment and I also agree with you. The reason is that I believe that the states rule mostly applies to permanent things (i.e curtains or mugs) while you are commenting about a consumable. Everyone likes when you bring olive oil from vacation and, if it meets a certain minimum, everyone likes when you bring cake. In your case, you further have the DIY aspect. DIY things are generally interesting (though it depends on the quality of the item and the relationship between giver and receiver). But store bought stuff that the receiver may as well have bought themselves? If I am invited to a (non-BYO) BBQ, I would never bring a potato salat from the local supermarket. But I would (at times) definitely bring a home made one.