Sometimes a bought gift isn't the right gift. I'm sure the gal who helped you begin quilting would be thrilled to recieve something that you made yourself.
My favorite 'little' gifts that I keep on hand are plastic bag holders that I've made in some bright fabrics or a jar of homemade jam with a jar of corn bread mix. Next item I plan to add to my 'little gift' list are fabric grocery bags, the 'in' thing for Going Green. May in Jersey