We have a quilting group of 9 to 10 and we have a christmas exchange and pot luck every year. We've been doing this for a while now, I'm running out of ideas and I'm in need of some nice 'quick' gifts that I can make, and they will like. I'll be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks

how many and how much per gift are you wanting to spend. need a little more detail to help with answers.

Mug rugs with mugs? Zippered change purses? Fabric bowls? Tri-fold sewing kits?

last one - a set of quilted greeting cards?

Several set of quick gift bag totes of different sizes are always a welcome gift. Here is how I make them and they are super easy and fast. It's easy to adjust the sizes of the bags. I buy Christmas tablecloths from thrift stores and have used the cheap vinyl felt backed ones.

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=913

If you are close to JoAnns, they have some great coffee cups with nice sewing/quilting or knitting quotes on them. Add a box of tea or small package of coffee or hot chocolate and maybe some cookies too!, in a nice wicker basket and you will have a wonderful gift in that 10 -15.00 range. Even if you can't find those cups at JoAnns, just a nice coffee mug from WalMart, makes a nice gift. I love to do gift bags/boxes.....to save money, use old Christmas paper and run it through your paper shreader for the fillers!!!

jodi in leavenworth

love the shreader idea, thanks!

Cost? Some can't afford much, most of us also belong to at least one and some two quilt guilds. We do the same thing at each of them, so we try to keep cost down. Those who can't afford much feel guilty when they receive a pricey item so we all try to keep it down. One guild has a $5 limit.

Now that's a great idea. So simple but never crossed my mind to use Christmas paper. The two sided paper will be awesome!

You can purchase mugs at the dollar store. Dollar Tree in Jacksonville just enlarged their household goods area. I saw a post last night of 'hundreds' of pictures of a mug rug exchange (can't remember where).

There were two categories that left an impact: Some folks designed the mats to have appliques like the designs on the cup (too much time on their hands?).

The second group I noticed were the ones who used clear glass coffee mugs (the kind on little pedestals)! They went with EVERYTHING and can easily be found for $1.00 or less.

That leaves $$ to buy tea bags, coffee packets, cocoa packets, etc and stay under the $5. Put colorful teabag or coffee packets in the clear mug and it just adds a festive touch.

How about some potholders? Everyone loves them and needs them too. They are quick and fun to make. I am working on some today myself for gifts.

Maybe some pin cushions? There is so many cute ones out there!

Love the shredder idea and the clear footed mugs. I've got to go shopping to see if I can find some.

Pincushions, mug rugs, placemats (can use up scraps), sewing caddy, needle books

a mug and a rug would be relativel inexspensive

Great ideas! Thanks ladies!

Me too. That's great!

A small stocking with a little treat inside. Fat Eighths? Tea bags and a tea bag holder? Hot chocolate and biscotti? Candy canes? Possibilities are endless.

How about a mason jar filled with colorful fat quarters (from your stash)roll in tubes and put in on end so you can see each one.

I saw a real cute needle book at a craft show, it was made out of wool from an article of clothing that can be purchased at a thrift store and the pages were from what looked like a sweater (also can be purchased from a thrift store). There was a small felt flower on the front & can be either glued on or appliqued. Very inexpensive if you can get to a thrift store. You can make any size you would like but the ones I saw were approx. 6 X 7. I also belong to a quilt group of approx. eight ladies and we try to keep it under $5.00, we don't always do quilting things but things like hand lotion, book marks, Christmas socks etc. Good Luck and have fun.

Judy from Micigan