Birthday busts my creative bubble

What to do?  What to get?  You think you know someone until it comes time for her birthday.  I'm always left struggling with what to give to a close friend.  You inventory their interests, their needs, the things she already has in her home...  is it just that I'm getting to the age of "we seen it all and nothing is left that's interesting?"  I'm ashamed that I don't know her well enough to know what her passion is and surprise her with a well-thought out gift.  Where's Martha now that I need her?