You could make this out of polar fleece -it would stay in you cost limitation and it would be very cuddly -everyone would love it!

pilowcases, laptop covers, placemats, table runner, table topper, pillow (you can buy a pillowform)

Bottle of wine or special soda drink in a quilted wine tote I have found quite popular.

that seems a great gift...i am a beginner and this seems just up my sleeve...will get a good practice before beginning a quilt ..and in time for Christmas too.. thanks..

A set of wine bottle gift bags?

A set for the kitchen that includes one of those plastic bag recyclers and some pot holders or a couple of hang towels?

Hi-RecentlyI found these free patterns for door stops. Super cute! I want to try them. There are great tutorials for an Owl, Cat, and Dog (in that order)--something for any animal lover. They are simple and inexpensive. I'm putting the links below. They are non-gendered and go with everything. Check it out.
Max
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/214
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/265
http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/220

How about one of those Organizers that fit in a mug. You could make it with solids so it would not be gender specific and fill it with some simple tools, screw driver, small stapler, measuring tape, ect...we all need tools

Quilted Tv pockets that hang over a chair for the remote and guide or pillow cases, a table topper or runner. Something for the house that could be used by a man or woman. Coasters, place mats/napkins. Remember they can trade off. Might google to see what other sewing things you could make.

Yes, Bearisgray, Chocolate is quilty!!

Oh yea.. I forgot, one thing that one of my friends made for me.

Go to ACMoore or JoAnns and get two wooden blocks, about 2" on each side. Paint whatever color. Then type out on the computer with a fond that looks like film strips: His Choice, Her Choice (3 of each). Then type out different types of movies: Action, Horror, Chick Flick, SciFi, Romance, Comedy, Foreign (whatever you want) you only need 6.

Glue the words to the sides of the cubes - and make a cute little bag. great for a date night in - helped DH and I tons of times to decide who gets to pick the movie we watch. Maybe you can go to somewhere with a $5 and get a few different movies, or popcorn or something.