Okay, I have family and friends that would not appreciate a quilt because they consider it country and not their "style" (I know it is hard to imagine but don't hate) but I would like to make Christmas gifts for them. I figure Christmas or holiday decorations are safe because they don't have to be left out all year round and people don't mind if seasonal stuff doesn't really match their decor. I would like to hear/see some ideas you all might have. My only thoughts at this time are table runners and seasonal wall hangings and even those might not go over well. Also, I am not a great seamstress so just short of elastic waist sleeping pants I am done with garments. I am especially lost for my men. HELP! These do not have to be sewn gifts but of course I know I am asking on a quilting board. But creative people always know how to do more than one thing!

remote control holders

Craftybear, where do you get an extra hand?? haha I would like those for myself.

I have a sister that is that way too but I have made holiday table runners, or how about placemats. Those can be made any style and most people use them also aprons. Just plane ones. I double side mine. I found one that was like the waitress use bib and bottom and sew them rst. pull thru the bottom and top stitch. They are fun to make and I use all kinds of different themes. Can/t figur out how to send a picture yet but if I do I will post one. BarbZ

Here are some things I've done or plan to do in case they fit your situation:
DSIL likes to cook, so I bought a pre-made apron and appliqued a character (male) flipping a pancake with a black dog (they have a black dog) trying to get the pancake. I've made aprons for both DDs, also.
I've made the simple coasters in holiday fabrics that recipients seem to enjoy (and DH loves them).
This year I'm making tortilla cozies which I've posted a picture of and link to instructions. May give them with recipes/indgredients, etc. for Mexican food (basket-style).
I recently posted a tutorial for using fabric to make greeting cards . . . I'm thinking of giving a set of greeting cards as a gift.
I've knit scarves, afghans, cowls, socks, etc. as gifts.
Shopping bags or any other kind of bag seems to be popular right now.
Casserole cozies to take to potlucks would also be nice.
This year, I think I'll can some tomatoes for DD.
Luggage tags.
DD makes some really cute slippers. I'll post a picture . . .
Fleece hats, scarves.
Fabric-trimmed dish towels with matching potholders
Christmas tree skirt
Advent calendars

That's al for now, I think . . . Looking forward to seeing other ideas.

two gifts I've made that went over well were mantel "quilts" and chair back covers. The mantel quilts were simply a row of small blocks with a top border that lays on the top of the mantel so the blocks hang down over the front edge. A few years ago I did them out of a book but don't remember the name of it. Instead of blocks, you could applique holiday words on the dropped front edge for those who are too contemporary for quilts. These can also be used on tall pieces of furniture in case there is no mantel.

Chair back covers for dining room chairs - made them like Santa's hats to fit over the backs - long tails with bells on the them.

Who wouldn't want a quilt...go figure :shock:

Here are some ideas:

For the women:
Apron
Kitchen towels (appliqued)
Placemats
Casserole carrier
Tortilla warmer
Potato bag
Tablerunner

For the men:
Remote caddy
Golf club covers
Barbeque apron
Map portfolio for their car
Canvas tool apron

That is all I can think of off the top of my head, but I am sure you will get many ideas from everyone else.

:wink:

All the women in my family love the potholders and towel toppers that I make. They actually get mad if I don't give them every year. LOL . Some I crochet and some I make with fabric. The potholders are very simple to make --- the towels are the kind that you can hang on the oven door handle, or the fridge door handle. Free crochet patterns are on the internet and the pattern I use for the cloth towel toppers is one I made up, but I'm sure a free pattern could be found online.

SOmeone beat me to it, I was going to say potholders. Slippers are nice for everyone too, I love the ones pictured. I have a very easy slipper crochet pattern if you could use it.

One year I made all the girls a cosmetic bags and eye patches you chill before using. I slipped in some cucumber moisterizer, lotion and lip balm for good measure. It made a cute gift.
Another year I made those heated neck rolls, those went over for both the guys and gals. By the way, they work on knees and sore arms as well. (saved my sis in law from surgery!)

I saw somewhere recently two bags made with the same type filling that are boot warmers for the guys boots in winter. You just put them in the microwave to heat them and stick them in your boots for a while before putting them on.

There is always nice food items. Most people appreciate something already made to enjoy the holidays with. I gave cookies, amish friendship bread and pumpkin bread one year. It was a big hit.

I think the main thing is to know the person well enough to give what they like. A gift certificate to a book store to a bookworm. A gift from a kitchen store for a cook. A music or movie buff would love a new release just on the market.

Or how about a copy of an old family photo that everyone has wanted to take off your walls and go home with?

If none of this appeals to you, you could go on a shopping trip to bed bath and beyond. There are tons of fun gifts there that aren't too much money and are cool!