Ideas for my "make do and mend" Christmas!

[mummytoatribe]

I am going home made this year, as my parents in particular didnt want anyone spending any money on them. I have extended it and am putting together a home made basket for each adult couple (4)

So, I have made a hot water bottle cover for my mum, as she uses one daily, with some old yarn I had left over. It looks rather good if I say so myself!

My Xmas chutney is maturing in the shed as we speak and I am making the marmalade tomorrow. I will be making each couple a boil in the pan fruit cake too.

But want to put into each basket a knitted or crocheted item for each person, so mum has her cover but what to do for the others? 3x30 something men and women and one young 60 year old man.

Any ideas?

Knitted tie or socks?

Mobile phone cover/iPad cover?

Glasses case?

beanie hats
socks
gloves
felted bag for the women
scarf and hat sets
slippers
mobile/ipod covers

Mug hug/cosy like these

Knitted or crocheted flower brooch

Lavender drawer sachet.

Leg warmers!

Shawl

face cloths like here

tea cozy? I love a good tea cozy!
Knitted house doorstop like this
crochet basket/ box like this
or
make your own knitting kit - you could use some of your stash and get vintage needles from a charity shop and print off an easy pattrn from Ravelry...tie it up with pretty ribbon, et voila!

I think this is a fun tea cozy, (or doorstop) here but you do have to pay to download the pattern.

Wrist warmers for the ladies? I've seen freebie patterns around online for knitted & crochet'd mug warmers which looked cute, which could be nice for the men?

There's a very hip yarn store, Purl, in New York (no, I've never shopped there, but would love to!) and they have a great blog with lots of free patterns and tutorials for things you can knit, sew or crochet. It's here. I've found loads of ideas for little handmade things that would make great presents.

My big Christmas project this year is scarves for my female relatives - there are some great patterns free on Ravelry. Good luck!

Sew Mama Sew is a great roundup of handmade holiday tutorials.

Only problem is not wanting to do everything!