You could make this out of polar fleece -it would stay in you cost limitation and it would be very cuddly -everyone would love it!

pilowcases, laptop covers, placemats, table runner, table topper, pillow (you can buy a pillowform)

Bottle of wine or special soda drink in a quilted wine tote I have found quite popular.

that seems a great gift...i am a beginner and this seems just up my sleeve...will get a good practice before beginning a quilt ..and in time for Christmas too.. thanks..

A set of wine bottle gift bags?

A set for the kitchen that includes one of those plastic bag recyclers and some pot holders or a couple of hang towels?

Hi-RecentlyI found these free patterns for door stops. Super cute! I want to try them. There are great tutorials for an Owl, Cat, and Dog (in that order)--something for any animal lover. They are simple and inexpensive. I'm putting the links below. They are non-gendered and go with everything. Check it out.
Max
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/214
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/265
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/220

How about one of those Organizers that fit in a mug. You could make it with solids so it would not be gender specific and fill it with some simple tools, screw driver, small stapler, measuring tape, ect...we all need tools

Quilted Tv pockets that hang over a chair for the remote and guide or pillow cases, a table topper or runner. Something for the house that could be used by a man or woman. Coasters, place mats/napkins. Remember they can trade off. Might google to see what other sewing things you could make.

Yes, Bearisgray, Chocolate is quilty!!

Oh yea.. I forgot, one thing that one of my friends made for me.

Go to ACMoore or JoAnns and get two wooden blocks, about 2" on each side. Paint whatever color. Then type out on the computer with a fond that looks like film strips: His Choice, Her Choice (3 of each). Then type out different types of movies: Action, Horror, Chick Flick, SciFi, Romance, Comedy, Foreign (whatever you want) you only need 6.

Glue the words to the sides of the cubes - and make a cute little bag. great for a date night in - helped DH and I tons of times to decide who gets to pick the movie we watch. Maybe you can go to somewhere with a $5 and get a few different movies, or popcorn or something.

How about a bag made out of pre-quilted fabric to carry a laptop in?

How about a pillow. I made one last year in Christmas charm blocks. It was very popular.

What about oversized oven mitts for working on the grill? Even a manly man would appreciate that.

My family couldn't get along without them. I love to put one at the foot of my bed for my cold feet. Sore shoulder, earache, back, my DDIL uses one when she gives herself her shot. They are great!

What about pot holders or a wall hanging? Throw pillows or eye glass cases?

How about a remote control holder for the arm of the sofa or recliner. Made one for my son-in-law and DH last Christmas, both loved them

How about a remote control holder for the arm of the sofa or recliner. Made one for my son-in-law and DH last Christmas, both loved them Sorry didn't read all the posts, this was already mentioned

Stuffed snakes to put in front of the door to prevent drafts. I crocheted these one year and put a jingle bell in the tail to make it a rattlesnake. Both men and women loved them.

This is what I was going to suggest.

I have friends who are Harley owners. I made them a checkerboard with motorcycle fabric for backing and orange/black squares on front. Used HUGE buttons (black and white) for checkers. Also made a drawstring bag toi carry them.

Someone mentioned aprons -- how about 2 aprons, one with the usual green John Deere fabric, one with the pink -- and both husband and wife would have one.

My menfolk like wall hangings--They can be relatively small --make 2 that match or are similar and they look well together. Think about "falling leaves" --I made some with leaves cut out of a leaf print, then did thread embroidery over the leaves. Didn't take long and turned out nice. My son liked the attic window wall hanging with the windows cut from a landscape fabric. Maybe this will trigger an idea or two for you.

Some great suggestions here.

A reversible apron might work -- one guy side and one girl side.

I have pattern for a microwave envelope, lined in cotton batting, that you bake potatoes in. It's about 9" X 9" and the top folds over to make a flap. Microwaving potatoes in these bags makes them come out tender and moist, not dried out. If my camera wasn't lost I would attach a pic.

That's a cute idea!

Thanks everyone!!!

Good ideas on the reversables, or the matching male/females. Most in the gift exchange are in couples, but not all, including moi! So I am definitely conscious of these issues, as what would I do with the "men" things, so relate to others.

I've thought of the lap quilt idea, though am concerned it may look a little "much" in comparison to what the others will have.

Generic gifts are always so hard especially when they also need
to be gender generic too.

I've got some ideas rolling around now .... though am not fully decided yet .... so keep 'em coming, if you will!

Besides, maybe it'll help some of you for ideas too!

Oh that sounds like a plan to me. I would love to get that.

Last year, the theme was "liquid".
I did a Maple theme ... maple syrup, maple BBQ sauce, my homemade maple vinaigrette, with some maple sugar candy!!

How about a car cd holder that goes on the visor? There is a tutorial here...
http://pukingpastilles.com/?p=517

Hi! Do you have directions on how to make your clothesline bowl. It sounds like a great gift. Flo

I have make tons of Christmas socks, some made for certain people, and as I see them each year, I am really proud of them. Made a whole bunch of stuff out of redskin foot ball material then had to change over to the titans-- quillows, chrismas socks. It is fun doing christmas stockings, just a plain little boot or high botten shoe, a shoe for a pirate man and lady. I just got my pen and paper out and started drawing different types. Table runners, place matts and figure something for the BBQ too. A fishing plack. Have fun

Bed warmer, microwave pot holders (my husband loves the 2 I made), microwave heat packs, barbq aprons, scarves from polar fleece, toasty toes socks

I use them all the time, on my neck, shoulder and back, and lately, on my ankle, which apparently felt neglected, lol. And I just made three and sent them to a friend who is going to physical therapy several times a week for an injury. She said she really likes them, and a friend of hers asked where she got them, ......and could she order them, lol.

They do make nice gifts, especially if you make them out of muslin (I use a double layer) and make a nice removable cover, sham style, that can be removed and washed when/if necessary. I put lavender in with the rice, as long as I know the recipient isn't allergic.

I used to have 4 of these. I was on warfarin because of blood clots several years ago and I was telling my tech who checked my blood about the rice bags. The next week I brought her one to have. It was trimmed in lace and girly, but well received. Something that a person knows where they keep it because it works so well. I have one under my kitchen counter and one in my bedside table. It's always a welcome 'relief'.

Rice bags are unisex and you can be very creative. Also a set, one for hot, one for cold would be cool!

Just thought of another one. How about a mason jar filled with dry ingredients to make brownies or cookies and then include a potholder; or an egg turner with a potholder. I'm thinking my gift list now. LOL

I have made a lot of hot cup sleeves -- there's tons of patterns out there. Why not one or two or those and a Tim Horton's gift card to make up the difference? Maybe include a couple of quilted book marks and a juicy paperback novel?

Good one ... last year, I did 24 cookie jars for a cookie monster friend .... and then gradually made them for them over the year. Well, they only lasted til June! :)

By chance to you have a link to one of those patterns?
I might not use it for this gift ... though would be a great combo with mug rugs.

And for myself ... always feel like my fingers are getting scorched on the Starbucks cups! :)

Let me take a look. I will send if I find.