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.