Thread: Two months to crank out ~10 gifts... ideas?!

I am trying to figure out what the heck to make for my family. Every year we get together for a dinner and swap gifts. We are a small group these days, I only need about 10 gifts if I do individual gifts... or 6 if I do married couples jointly. There is also one teenager and one 4.5 year old.

In the past, the types of gifts given have been things like home made treats, candles, goodie bags of candy, ornaments, and things of that nature. Last year I gave them all a drawstring bag with a Yankee candle in it. The only thing that varied was the fabric of the bag. For the teen I also gave her a gift card, and the then-3 year old just got toys. This year I have no idea what I want to do. I am looking for the right balance of cost, effort, and looking like I spent more time on it than I actually did. I have a toddler, so sewing time is limited!

Right now this ITH quilted stocking is my forerunner:
http://www.hoopsisters.com/santa-bab...ital-download/

Do you guys have any great ideas??? I am thinking maybe something in-the-hoop for simplicity, but I am also considering some easy mug rugs, coasters, or wall hangings. Or maybe something that I could make partially in the hoop (like appliqué) that is used in a wall hanging, coaster, table topper, etc... I don't know!

>>>What is the best bang-for-your-buck/time thing you guys have found that can be made en masse?

I'm making vests for almost everyone this year. Pillowcases (bed clothes type) are easy and quick to sew and you could put something inside like a goodie bag. For married couples you could make a matching pair of pillowcases.

I'll be making coaster sets with scraps. I make sets of four and a tray to keep them in. These are similar to the ones I make: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co...-coasters.html

For the child, maybe a fabric bag with a set of bean bags? I've found that kids from 1-5 enjoy those--the older ones can learn to juggle:-). For the teen, I just got a great book from the library on teen sewn gifts. Can't remember the title...Project Teen by Melissa Mortenson.

Have fun sewing!

(and yes, it's tough to get much done with a little one around--today's nap was spent tracing sewing patterns)

Originally Posted by miss_sonja

I'll be making coaster sets with scraps. I make sets of four and a tray to keep them in. These are similar to the ones I make: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co...-coasters.html

Love those coasters!

[QUOTE=miss_sonja;6955212]I'll be making coaster sets with scraps. I make sets of four and a tray to keep them in. These are similar to the ones I make: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co...-coasters.html

What a great small gift idea! Thanks for sharing this link miss sonja

I am doing the panty purses for gift cards like QuiltnNan posted.

I'm doing sports themed microwave bowl holders, in the hoop coin purses and chap stick holders, and nesting quilted fabric boxes.

Cari