The other day I mentioned that I was getting together with some quilty friends for lunch and a holiday gift swap. We were doing a random gift giving swap, so we were not sure who would end up with the gift we bought.
Does that make it easier or harder- not to know the recipient?
I thought it made it harder. I was stumped.
Until I saw what a few of the ladies gave. An “aha!” moment.
So I put together a list of 10 12 items that almost any quilter would love. Now, you might feel that some of these are boring items to give as a gift, but they could be the most appreciated!
1. A pack of 5 rotary blades. This was the most coveted item given at our swap. We all wanted them!
2. A calendar. The lady who gave the calendar actually got the calendar and she was so excited because she really wanted it and would not give it up! We all loved the calendar as well.
3. Sewing machine needles–again an item we may think makes a boring present but we all need and hate to spend money on.
4. A new seam ripper. Let’s be honest–we all need help from Jack (the Ripper) every now and then. And seam rippers get dull over time so a new one is a good idea.
5. Thread. Especially good thread like Aurifil, Mettler or Superior.
6. Quilty sticky note pads. They are fun, useful and well, fun and useful!
7. Gift certificate for scissor sharpening. How many of us complain about dull scissors but don’t get them sharpened?
8. Best Press–if you get the unscented, you don’t even have to worry about what their favorite scent is.
9. A small handmade item like a pincushion, a bag, an ornament, mug rug, coasters or placemats. 
Always appreciated. (I have a free pattern for quick coasters over on Craftsy- check it out here.)
10. Snips–I love these snips–I keep one by my machine, one at my iron, and if I had more, I would have one in my hand work basket, one by my cutting table…
11. What about pins? They have some great new pins- such as the ones with numbers to keep track of your blocks or rows.
12. Chocolate–almost always appreciated–especially for those quilt error emergencies. Better than Valium!
Any more suggestions to add to this list?
Post in the comments below and happy holiday shopping!
Kate
p.s. Next week I will have a tutorial for a quick table runner–make it for your table or a friend’s table! See ya then!