I'm crafty. I love to make things-sew, crochet, embroider, knit, felt, all that stuff has interested me pretty much my whole life and I really enjoy making things to give away. Seriously, when I look around for examples of what I have made I fall short because I wind up gifting so much that I don't keep much for myself. I usually go on a massive creative spree around Christmas and give handmade gifts. Before ya'll think I am some sort of perfect housewife, yes, I buy gifts for family and friends as well, esp. for my kids cause they can only receive so many fleece blankets and crocheted hats before they get swirly eyed.

I have a soft spot for a simple, handmade Christmas with lots of home cooking and sitting around the fire telling tales from our past family exploits. I can honestly say I enjoy that more than any gift. I feel like I've done good in that my kids enjoy it as well.

So if you want some ideas about simple gifts to make or give here is a simple list. Yes, there are a million things to make and all-but here's stuff I have made-here ya go.

1. Spiral Scrubbie-if you crochet, this is the coolest thing, works up quick and whether it's made from acrylic yarn or cotton, the thing can scrub the hell out of cast iron without scratching it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J84jxmGMV5Y

2. Crochet/knitted dishcloths-if you have the time, make up about four of these to give as gifts. After people use them, they love them.

3. Embroidered tea towels or flour sack towels-this is what I am doing this year. At Hobby Lobby or even on etsy you can buy those cute retro little embroidery patterns for
$1.49-2.99. You know the ones, the singing coffee cups or wash-day duckies and colonial girls. Grab a flour sack towel,
and go to town. Put it in a cute little box wrap it nice and it's a cute gift.

4. Felt ornaments- I get plain old acrylic felt from the craft store, cut out shapes, sew together and embroider or put embellishments on them. I've done stars, ornament
shapes, hearts with embroidery, send a couple in a card and people like it. Well, at least they tell me they do.

5. Handmade herbal salves

6. Crocheted granny square afghan-takes time but worth it. Or maybe a simple lap scrap quilt.

7. Knitted scarves-last year my oldest daughter got a cheap pattern from etsy-it was a fox headed scarf and it was adorable! Like sellable adorable. We modified it and
made a snake scarf for my little guy and he still loves it.

8. Heirloom seed packs in a Mason Jar with a croker sack bow. Or hell, homemade ANYTHING in a Mason Jar.

So yeah, it's also about presentation-so give etsy a look for ideas on how to wrap things to make it look all cute and special and pricey. If you get some raffia bow stuff and doll it up, it looks right nice and thoughtful.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas and all.