solstice3

I agree. It's a lot of work unless you are really into it

bjdemir

I have made potholders can be used for men or women. Everybody needs potholders.

tuppermern

At least five years ago---our asst. mgr. made us all wonder wallets. To this day--I still use it & think fondly of her for doing this. If this is something you WANT to do---go for it! But not because you feel obligated.

bamamama

I don't think that because you did it this year you would be expected to do it every year if you don't want to or can't. Just keep it simple so that you don't get overwhelmed and spoil the spirit of giving for yourself. Everyone enjoys getting something handmade for the holidays and I personally enjoy making something for everyone. If you don't want to include the guys just make a batch of cookies for them and they will be very happy guys!

ScrappyAZ

Last year, someone posted the instructions to make small fabric boxes. I made a bunch for Christmas and put cookies in them. They were easy and quick, using 12" scraps. My only out-of-pocket expense were the decorative buttons.

DonnaFreak

A couple of years ago I made mug buckets for some of my coworkers. They only take about 45 minutes to make, and they were thrilled with them! I filled the pockets with pencils, pens, a pencil sharpener, a ruler, bulldog clips, and a small pad of sticky notes. I also made them for the gals in my quilting group and made a small pin cushion for one of the pockets. I put in chop sticks (for turning corners), a few flathead pins, curved safety pins, a seam ripper, a retracting tape measure, a pair of snips, and some cute buttons. I got all of the cups I used at yard sales for 25 cents.

Donna

Sewnoma

I agree! I will sometimes make something as a gift, but most of the time I buy things. At my work, it's all men except for one lady in my department, so maybe that explains it but they aren't into formal exchanges, drawing names, writing their likes/dislikes down....we USED to do that over 10 years ago but everybody voted to stop and it's never started up again.

Instead we put up stockings, one for each person, and most people (but not everyone) like to put little trinkets or goodies into the stockings. Sometimes I tuck in something hand made, sometimes not - I've always gotten good responses when I do and nobody has ever seemed put out when I don't.

Last year I put tiny tubs of Play-Dough into each stocking and they were a HUGE hit; I almost didn't buy it because I thought it might be too silly. So you just never know, LOL.

KalamaQuilts

I agree, don't do it. It puts an undeserved pressure on the receivers to reciprocate.
Your heart is in the right place, get a big veggie tray for the group instead.

bearisgray

Some of the reasons I'm so against these types of things that are "exchanges"

1) Some people give things that are definitely in the "you REALLY shouldn't have" category
2) Most people have enough "little stuff" around anyway
3) If one decides to do "birthdays" instead of "Christmas" - what if one overlooks or forgets someone that thinks he/she is "part of the group"? As far as that goes - where does the "group" end?

I am NOT against giving - I am against getting into situations that can become "one more thing" to HAVE to deal with.

quiltlady1941

Why not make them some snap bags for there purse, you could make them a few of different sizes and if you made 2 or 3 it would be a wonderful gift set.. They sew up fast and take little fabric.. you could use your scraps...for this project..