a couple of boxes of nice chocolates (Godiva or Sees)
a nice folding knife (I was gifted a pink one and I love it!)
set of rubs for grilling or roasting
wine
jars of home made relishes, chutneys or other condiment (or not home made, just different)

(other than the knife, I see a pattern developing here. Consumables)

(other than the knife, I see a pattern developing here. Consumables)[/quote]
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That knife sounds neat, even for ladies. I still have one of the Swiss Army Knives my late DH (a Scout Master) gave all of us for Christmases. It comes in handy for lots of things..screwdriver especially.

This is unisex and will be kept for years and you will be remembered as the hostess with the mostess and bestess gifts.

I always keep a few extra bottles of Martinelli's cranberry-apple cider around. I either make up some bottle bags out of scrap Christmas fabric, or just put a lot of curly ribbons around the neck. Or I make up a few candle mats and have them rolled and tied with a ribbon so they are ready to give.

See's candy sounded like a good idea also.

I bought socks for the girls and put them in cute bags. One year it was candles.

because I come from a large family we exchange ornaments each year, so I make extra and put them in pretty gift bags.

Now everyone is asking for table runners- but they are getting folded star ornaments this year.

Coasters are great- you can use your scraps so it won't cost anything!

wow what great ideas . now i have some ideas to go on and can get busy . Thanks so much. lnikkers

If they truly are coming unexpectedly,they should be bringing YOU the gift!!! :lol: :lol: Seriously, it depends on the circumstances. I wouldn't go overboard, just some token of the holiday visit. I like little " care packages with a few wrapped cookies and what ever else seems appropriate. Like I said, it depends on circumstances.. :D

I sell Click It's.....Inexpensive and people love them.....They don't have to have the initial on it. Could be nice fabric with a design

The other are nice ornaments. You can always tell them you made them....I won't tell....LOL

How about a few bars of pretty soap? I guess really only for ladies though.

I like to stock up and keep nice hand cream around that isn't scented and can be used for men or women. Avon Moisture Therapy is my favorite and people like it. Not too expensive on sale (you can get it online). Blistex lip balm. Some warm footies in gender-neutral colors. A few packs of nice hot chocolate mix. Keep a few small gift bags on hand. Put in some or all of these items, a bit of tissue paper on top, and you've got a gift that will work for a large age range. Any "leftovers" can be used by your family. Another good combination is a jumbo-size candy bar, pack of microwave popcorn and a small gift certificate for a movie rental. I've used these for teacher gifts and had one left one year that came in handy for someone else as a last minute gift. Good for all ages.

What great ideas :D:D:D