Two months to crank out ~10 gifts... ideas?!
 

I am trying to figure out what the heck to make for my family. Every year we get together for a dinner and swap gifts. We are a small group these days, I only need about 10 gifts if I do individual gifts... or 6 if I do married couples jointly. There is also one teenager and one 4.5 year old.

In the past, the types of gifts given have been things like home made treats, candles, goodie bags of candy, ornaments, and things of that nature. Last year I gave them all a drawstring bag with a Yankee candle in it. The only thing that varied was the fabric of the bag. For the teen I also gave her a gift card, and the then-3 year old just got toys. This year I have no idea what I want to do. I am looking for the right balance of cost, effort, and looking like I spent more time on it than I actually did. :) I have a toddler, so sewing time is limited!

Right now this ITH quilted stocking is my forerunner:
http://www.hoopsisters.com/santa-bab...ital-download/

Do you guys have any great ideas??? I am thinking maybe something in-the-hoop for simplicity, but I am also considering some easy mug rugs, coasters, or wall hangings. Or maybe something that I could make partially in the hoop (like appliqué) that is used in a wall hanging, coaster, table topper, etc... I don't know!

>>>What is the best bang-for-your-buck/time thing you guys have found that can be made en masse?

A mug rug with a new mug and either coffee, tea or hot choc packs and maybe a choc spoon (if applicable) would be really nice!

I'm making vests for almost everyone this year. Pillowcases (bed clothes type) are easy and quick to sew and you could put something inside like a goodie bag. For married couples you could make a matching pair of pillowcases.

you could make these for everyone and maybe put a gift card in it. http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...l-t253815.html
and you could make them for the guys, too
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t254103.html

I'll be making coaster sets with scraps. I make sets of four and a tray to keep them in. These are similar to the ones I make: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co...-coasters.html

For the child, maybe a fabric bag with a set of bean bags? I've found that kids from 1-5 enjoy those--the older ones can learn to juggle:-). For the teen, I just got a great book from the library on teen sewn gifts. Can't remember the title...Project Teen by Melissa Mortenson.

Have fun sewing!

(and yes, it's tough to get much done with a little one around--today's nap was spent tracing sewing patterns)

Love those coasters!

I'm doing sports themed microwave bowl holders, in the hoop coin purses and chap stick holders, and nesting quilted fabric boxes.

Cari

I think the pair of pillow cases for the married couples would be the most time/dollar effective. The teenager is always going to be a problem just because of his(?) age. But even there, a minecraft or Dr. Who or whatever the current favourite thing, could be done in a pillow case. The child would probably be the easiest. Last year, I found a 'stuff it yourself' teddy bear kit (they also had monkeys, dogs and cats) for $10. Would that be in your price range? The microwave bowl holders are also a great suggestion.

If you don't feel like sewing, it is easy to make a non sew throw or scarf using fleece. Then if you knit or crochet, there are those beautiful scarves from the fancy yarn.

If you make jam or salsa or any condiments, they are a great gift, especially for people who appreciate the effort but wouldn't do it themselves.

Just made a set of bean bags for my DGD's and they are thrilled. Also put in directions for a couple of games--target practice with decreasing sized containers and hopscotch (complete with a role of masking tape to make the grid indoors)

I do ten min table runners. They can be used on a dresser too.

I made 4 fabric boxes over the weekend. Your could fill them with whatever you'd like or make sets for the couples.

I'm on my iPad and linking doesn't work well. I just posted a thread about the boxes last week.

I'm making some fabric covered hangers- everybody hangs at least some of their clothes up! I've made bread basket liners in the past- those always went over well.

I'm giving a relative a handmade quilted tote bag filled with fancy food items.

Pillow cases would be great and for the little one a pillow case in plush fleece would be great. Lots of themed fleece out there.

I try to do something handmade for my family members each year. One year I made lots of fun potholder sets and put together cookbooks for each household. Another year I bought sets of Christmas plaid drinking mugs, filled each with my spice tea recipe and made a tin of pumpkin cookies for each household.

This year I am working on making pillowcases for adults and children from my stash. I am using the pillowcases as the wrapping and will stuff a little something in each. My family knows that I am working on quilts for everyone, so whichever ones I have done by the holiday, I pass those out.

I normally scour clearance aisles throughout the year, especially after holidays, for stocking stuffer items for the Christmas holidays. I have plenty of stuff to stick in the pillow cases. For the teenager, you may want to do some sort of gift card of their interest in a fun wrapping.

Last year I gave my friend's son a gift card to the Itunes store (for music downloads) with an Axe Men gift set (body products)that I found on clearance for $5.00 all in a fun gift bag. If your teen is a girl, maybe you can do a gift card to Bath & Body Works or whatever her interest are. Some have Kindles and want to purchase books or games. You have license to be creative in making 'I am thinking of you' holiday gifts and plenty of time.:)

I am making table toppers from charm squares. They go together quickly.

I think microwave bowls or pot holders/oven mitts would be good for the married couples and any individual adults. The teen girl would probably love a scarf, either of fleece or a fabric infinity scarf (I have four granddaughters ages 7-16 and they all love their scarves).
For the little one, a pillow case with a favorite character would be great.
Good luck with your projects. I'm sure whatever you make will be well-received. It's the thought that counts.

I just made a bunch of these bags for a craft fair. Most women like them and would find a use for one. Just google "zippered bag tutorial" online if you don't know how to make them.

Beautiful bags, sewbizgirl!! I must follow you on Instagram because I feel like I saw these recently. LOL

Last year I made all the adults (12 in all) the roll up first aid kits. I went to Dollar Tree and got all the band aids, alcohol swabs, hand wash, fingernail clippers, first aid ointment, tweezers, tissues and filled them. They were great gifts. I don't have the link to the tutorial right now, but you could google it. They all put them in their cars and have told me thoughout the year that it was so handy and useful.

Cookie or soup mixes in a jar, mug rugs and matching cups, pillowcases in either regular or travel sizes, hot pepper jelly, table runners, potholders, oven mitts, CD holders for the visor in their cars, dish drainer mats, decorated dish towels, bath towels with initials, crocheted name doilies, etc, etc.

My nephews loves homemade treats in mason jars or small tin cans as well as mug rugs with matching cup having pkg of hot coco and treats inside. Coaster are nice for coffee drinkers. Finger hot pads are good, coffee cup wraps was really popular for me (I can send u pattern) . I did a small coaster to go with a small jar candle as well.

I agree Mug Rugs, check out the links below. Usually quick to sew and you could machine Quilt, cut out the same pattern and sew as in a assembly line.. Takes longer to decide on pattern and fabric..

http://www.pinterest.com/mamaskeeto/mug-rugs/
http://www.pinterest.com/triciapugh/mug-rug-ideas/
Wait til you see these.... for the Toddler you could make a couple Softie Huggy Toys like Bears or Rag dolls etc.. if its a girl. I sewed Appliques on Towels and Washcloths one year for Easter Gifts for my Grandsons...They loved the dogs and Horses and Nursery Rhyme figures...

I made 26 pillow cases last Christmas for my adult children and the grandchildren too. I bought all different beautiful material with each couple in mind and what they like. They loved them!! And for the little ones I made one pillow case for them. This year I'm making 2 "Frozen quilts" out of 2 panel kits I got from Keepsake, and I'm making pillowcases using Frozen material to go with them and I have pillow forms so with the left over material I'm making them a pillow also, these are for my 3 and 6 yr. old grandchildren. I also made the adults pot holders also. First year I made homemade gifts, it felt good!!! And they loved them.

Maggiemay-exactly how did you do your fabric covered hangars. I have an idea but maybe your idea is different. Thank you.

I'm back into pillowcases. Finished up 6 yesterday afternoon. Aiming for at least 10 today. If you want more than just pillowcases, how about buying the pillow, too? Not all mine are flannel, but I did make flannel ones for my hubby and me a couple years ago. Very comfy!

Add a bag of mints or chocolates to go with the pillowcase.

I've made several mug buckets, and everyone I've given one to has loved it! I've filled them with sewing supplies for the gals in my quilting group, and filled them with office supplies for co-workers. They only take about 45 minutes to make...and less once you get the hang of it. I used the tutorial you can find here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cP1DZzDHxE . Hope this helps! :D

Well, I was planning to make shopping bags (just fabric, not quilted) that fold up and go into a smaller, drawstring bag. The kind of thing you would just stash in your car for shopping emergencies. :) However, I love the idea of those first-aid rollups that mollysmom suggested. I found this tutorial online; not sure if it's the same one she used but it looks nice and easy (and quick)!

http://www.positivelysplendid.com/20...-tutorial.html

Maybe some fairly quick placemats. They go pretty quickly if you machine quilt them.

Boston1954......love those placemats. I never would have thought to sew the paper pattern right on the fabric! That looks a whole bunch easier and faster than the chalk and stencil I use from time to time. I am going to try something like that for sure!

[QUOTE=miss_sonja;6955212]I'll be making coaster sets with scraps. I make sets of four and a tray to keep them in. These are similar to the ones I make: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.co...-coasters.html

What a great small gift idea! Thanks for sharing this link miss sonja

How about the "gift in a jar." Cocoa ready to add water, the mug cake, master mixes of cookies, cake, ect. I have recipes if you need them. Just pm me. These are gifts I fix for our grab bag, and they always go well. We draw names then have a grab bag with $10.00 limit on gifts and they still love it; after 40 years!
Good luck! Mariah

I gotta share the best gift I ever got. My boss, years ago, gave everyone on her list an event. Great idea! It is my go to gift for anyone. She got a pretty container to go with the event, then filled it with the supplies for an evening or day of fun. Mine had a new video I had talked about buying, a package of microwave popcorn, a 2 liter of soda, and a small lap robe to snuggle under while I watched, and the container was a popcorn bucket. One lady got a bottle of bubble bath, a pretty wash cloth and towel, a shower cap, and some chocolate to enjoy after her bath. I hope this gives you some ideas.

How about casserole carrier for the adults (couples ) and include a plate of cookies with it. You can make square or rectangle carriers, also easy to make. Also pillowcases for the young ones ,even adults.

couple years ago I saw a great thing and made them for the neighbors and folks I worked with. Take long sleeve shirts (dress or flannel - but must have a cuff). Either stuff you are getting rid of or hit the thrift shop. Fold down the cuff and cut off the arm around 15" (the length of a wine bottle). Sew the bottom as you would a tote bag and square the corners. Insert a bottle and tie a ribbon or twine thru the cuff. Makes an inexpensive bottle of wine look like a million bucks! I put a bottle of whiskey in a flannel sleeve for a guy friend. You could do the same for the teen but fill hers with a couple shower gels or bath salts.

I made fabric boxes for Xmas last year for my Meals-On-Wheels clients. They really liked them!

Sorry I can't help you but I'll be interested in the answers.

A couple of years ago, during the million pillowcase challenge, I made pillowcases for each of my grand kids picking out fabric that I thought would fit with their age and interests. They were a big hit. They are quick and easy to make.

The microwave bowl holders were a hit especially when I added a a nice pottery bowl to go inside. Look in Tutes to find directions.

Last year I made a pair of pillowcases for my family. 12 sets. It was fun matching fabric to personality. Cost $5.00 a set. This year it is reusable shopping bags from scraps, my favorite blocks. Even little ones loved their own special pillow case. Great grand kids age 2 and 3 loved them.