My menfolk like wall hangings--They can be relatively small --make 2 that match or are similar and they look well together. Think about "falling leaves" --I made some with leaves cut out of a leaf print, then did thread embroidery over the leaves. Didn't take long and turned out nice. My son liked the attic window wall hanging with the windows cut from a landscape fabric. Maybe this will trigger an idea or two for you.

Some great suggestions here.

A reversible apron might work -- one guy side and one girl side.

I have pattern for a microwave envelope, lined in cotton batting, that you bake potatoes in. It's about 9" X 9" and the top folds over to make a flap. Microwaving potatoes in these bags makes them come out tender and moist, not dried out. If my camera wasn't lost I would attach a pic.

That's a cute idea!

Thanks everyone!!!

Good ideas on the reversables, or the matching male/females. Most in the gift exchange are in couples, but not all, including moi! So I am definitely conscious of these issues, as what would I do with the "men" things, so relate to others.

I've thought of the lap quilt idea, though am concerned it may look a little "much" in comparison to what the others will have.

Generic gifts are always so hard especially when they also need
to be gender generic too.

I've got some ideas rolling around now .... though am not fully decided yet .... so keep 'em coming, if you will!

Besides, maybe it'll help some of you for ideas too!

Oh that sounds like a plan to me. I would love to get that.

Last year, the theme was "liquid".
I did a Maple theme ... maple syrup, maple BBQ sauce, my homemade maple vinaigrette, with some maple sugar candy!!

How about a car cd holder that goes on the visor? There is a tutorial here...
http://pukingpastilles.com/?p=517

Hi! Do you have directions on how to make your clothesline bowl. It sounds like a great gift. Flo