I'm crocheting tiny christmas wreaths, decorating them with lace and small flowers and tiny birds for tree decorations and doing same with plain glass balls and giving 12 to a gift.
oakleif

I usually give food gifts, because I have a small house and always am de-cluttering. I don't want to add something to someone elses clutter. Of course the calories may clutter their thighs...:)

Tons of things! Several sets of sachets and a sleep pillow case, along with homemade potpourri. Scarves for some people, maybe even a pair of pajamas and a night gown. Puzzle ball toys for friends with kids, felt catnip toys for friends with cats, and biscuits for friends with dogs.

Plus cookies/fudge/shortbread for bunches of folks. (I got a ton of cute Christmas tins for pennies right after Christmas last season -- now, to fill them up!)

My DD and I started making jewelry this year, so we're giving earrings or bracelets to everyone we know. I've also been making themed cloth bookmarks for the readers in the family and the kids' teachers.

I've knitted hats/scarves/mittens for gifts. I also knit dish cloths and everyone loves to get those. I make Bath Bombs and other bath items, but I also give a lot of food as well. Most people don't really "need" anything (at least that my coin purse can supply), but they really appreciate homemade bread/rolls and granola. I have a pancake mix that lots of folks just love (and expect) as part of their gift.

Christmas Pancakes
(Ingredients for the mix.)
5 T. baking powder
3 t. baking soda
1-1/2 t. salt
3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
2 c. whole wheat flour (spelt flour is also a good choice)
1 c. multi-grain cereal (5-, 7-, 11-grain cereal - looks like chopped grain and is used as a cooked cereal)
1 c. cornmeal (I mill my own, but coarse or medium grind from Bob's Red Mill is a good substitute)
4 T. flaxmeal (or wheatgerm)
2-4 T. sucanat (or sugar, or maple sugar)

Mix all ingredients together and thoroughly blend. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator (NOT at room temperature). Makes approximately 7-1/2 cups. Measure the mix in 1/2 c. amounts for giving.

To prepare pancakes:
For 6 small pancakes, lightly beat one egg with 1/2 c. of ONE of the following (your choice): yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, sour cream, sweet or sour milk (add a little milk if too thick). Optional: add 1 T. softened butter or oil. Stir in 1/2 c. of the pancake mix. DO NOT over stir. Ladle out the batter onto a pre-heated griddle and fry cakes over medium heat, turning once.
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Give someone a new griddle and/or pancake turner, and a container of the pancake mix.

-Grainlady

Grainlady - I wish I was on your gift giving list. That recipe sounds delicious!! Love the idea of the turner and the mix.

Martha Stewart's Living put out a great special issue on Homemade Holiday Gifts this year that has some great ideas. In fact you don't need to buy the issue, check out link below.

We are going to make Limoncello for friends and hostess gifts. We have made chocolate truffles for many years (recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook, but varied the flavors using flavored liquors like hazelnut, mint, orange, espresso, etc). I think we'll make spiced nuts and/or peanut brittle for some family members. I will also burn some CD's of Holiday music.

Here is a link that might be useful: Homemade Holiday Gifts