Each and every Christmas I try to give hand made gifts.

I like to give them and I hope others like to get them. Each gift takes a minimum of 4 hours to make. Scarves typically are 8 hrs. When you think about the size of the family we exchange gifts with you quickly understand how Christmas shopping can easily get out of hand cost wise. Time coupled with cost is the reason I begin my Christmas planning and buying now. Actually I am a whole month behind.

Reason being I just have not had that one 'ah-ha' idea.

In the past I have made the following:
- Christmas Ornaments
- Scarves, I think everyone in the family save Chris and Grants Grandma have one.
- hand embroidered dish towels
- hand embroidered pot holders
- cookies
- hot cocoa mix
- Russian spice tea

Now I am looking for that one idea this year. Something fairly basic (especially if is knitting since I am not strong with knitting). Basic that looks nice is a total must. Preferably useful. I hate getting stuff that serves no purpose. Please send them my way. I need to get started ASAP.

- the 'no sew' blanket has already made the rounds with the family, so that is out.