Another opinion poll

[mizarchivist]

The Goal: create thoughtful, interesting, hopefully useful presents that are relatively not gender specific that I can make myself over the span of the next month. If not useful, at least pretty and arty without being entirely a dust catcher

Previous present types- clay-based (fairies/butterflies, decorated votive holders), knitted objects, framed art, unique cards. (What am I missing?)

I do have a few ideas, but nothing that makes me shout "Eureka!" as such. I'd be happy to hear from the peanut gallery on this one.

Comments

[awfief.livejournal.com]

there are many people on carb-restricted diets, so maybe baking isn't the best way to go. Although a crustless pie can be wonderful. . .how many carbs in a no-crust cheesecake?

I've made homemade ice cream before, it's a great gift, and everyone has a favorite flavor, so you ask around. Pretty simple, tasty, etc.

Another idea is to make people soup, freeze it and give it to them. This obviously doesn't work for yankee swaps or sitting under the tree, but most people we know don't have much time to cook for themselves, and while we're all picky about food, you could ask people things they like or try to figure it out.

Even though food is love, it doesn't have to be the only gift. I don't look for gifts, they seem to find me. People on my list are getting somewhat gendered gifts -- there was a great tie store in St. Louis that I found, and I bought a really nice "periodic table of the elements" tie for my chemistry Ph.D. twin, 2 really nice gold scales on a blue background for my housemate and brother, both of which are lawyers. Other people are getting fun boxer shorts, and practical things we'd never buy ourselves like a combination contact lens case AND glasses case, a stylized metal cat with a long tail to hold your ring(s) when you wash dishes or on your nightstand, a 'bracelet buddy' (modified stick that makes it easier to secure a bracelet 'cause you can only work with one hand when you do it).

Crafty things can include a recipe book of your favorite recipes (yay computers and kinko's) which can be as nice as you want if you want to add color, style and a nice cover; handmade cards with handwritten poetry/meaningful prose; pictures of you (preferably you and target of present) in a frame; etc.

[mizarchivist]

I'm starting to really like the idea of favorite recipe ideas. Especially of late, it seems like people keep asking "how did you make [foo]?"
Thanks, m'dear :)

[lifecollage.livejournal.com]

Most assuredly works for me. I can volunteer some layout time, if you want.