Handmade gifts are the best to me, because they are made with a labor of love. I have made plastic bag hangers, aprons, placemats, coffee mug pencil holder, tissue covers and christmas ornaments.

My family is very particular. They want the handmade item to be the same quality as an expensive boutique item, and they don't want to receive anything they have received in the past. Since there are 2 of us who give handmade items it is difficult to remember what has been given and not repeat an item, at least not in the last 6 years. The grown children and grand children are getting sets of placemats and napkins. Some placemats are reversible, some aren't; none are quilted or embroidered this year. Two have bad backs and will get rice bags. One grandchild will get a real fur vest. Have no idea about the rest of the gifts.

I've made covers for my friends' Nooks and laptops/notebooks. I've also made little carryalls for jewelry for travel. Decorative pillows when someone has chosen their own fabric on an outing with me. I think I may make some travel wallets and CD holders next.

ali

In our immediate family of 17 we excgh names & you have to make an ornament that depicts that person. The GK's come up with some very ingenious ideas. I'll make hand stitched dish towels, table runners, wall hanging w/embellishments on them, coasters, quilts, aprons for the guys cuz they love to grill even in the winter time :)

I give family and friends homemade gifts all the time. They love them. I hardly ever buy gifts anymore. I just go to my crochet hook, knitting needles or my sewing machine.

I am making towlet seats covers for my family this year. They kinda got my goat how they treated the things I made for them last year. Maybe they will get the hint....hmmmmmmm!

do you have a picture of the seat covers?

I'm in the same boat I usually make immediate family something small but this year I have done them all a shopping bag which will be filled with different jams and chutneys (all the fruit I managed to get for free) I have made, plus one or two small bought items - all my lot love getting home made quilted bits as none of them quilt but do appreciate the time and trouble I go to. As for ideas, bags, place mats, coasters, fabric bowls to name a few

I make all of my family Pj,s or gowns. Last year I made everyone matching pants and bought red t shirts and boxed them by family as we all spent Christmas eve together at my daughters house. 4 generations, 12 people.They loved it

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I think overal my family likes home made gifts. I personally really apreciate them even if it is soemthing I do not need. I know how much time and love goes into making gifts. Home made items make me feel loved.