Gifts to have on hand?

[paigefiddler]

I'm wondering if anyone has ideas for some generic but nice, crafty gifts to keep on hand at home just incase. I find myself forgetting people's birthdays and such or we will have a surprise guest at Christmas and I'd like to be able to be prepared for these people! It could be unisex or seperate ideas for  males/females. Thanks!

[Painted Sparrow]

First, this is an excellent idea that I think I will need to borrow! And I will be following this thread for more ideas.

If I were still in MN I'd probably have a basket full of knit scarves & hats, excellent defaults & you can never have too many scarves & hats in the winter. lol I think I would probably put aside a few small art pieces (6"x6" canvas or 5"x7" in frames), maybe some sewn plastic bag holder "socks." Those are things that I've done...ideas pulled from Craftster...Scrabbl e coasters, papercrafted notecards, mug rugs, quick little jewelry pieces.

[mousee23]

For my kids' friends who invite them over late for a party or occasion I have put things aside.
Girl:Dollar store beauty; 1.Small basket,comb/hair combo,barrettes, small mirror. 2.Basket,bath puff,cute wash cloth,bath beads,bubble bath,lotion
Woman: Same bath type stuff
Boy:1.Dollar store fun;Container,puzzle,ball,book,toys. 2. Bath kit like the girls,boy themed.
Unisex:1. Container,A cute DVD(dollar store has some oldies but goodies and cartoons),Pop corn,candies,napkins,cups,soda(or the powered lemonade).
2.Stationary set: Journal,pens,pencils,cards,envelopes,erasers,note pad,container.

[BoxOfRocks]

Great idea for a thread!  Wine charms and potholders/kitchen cloths (crochet, knit, or quilted) are easy ideas.  I like the coaster idea as well. 

[paigefiddler]

For my kids' friends who invite them over late for a party or occasion I have put things aside.
Girl:Dollar store beauty; 1.Small basket,comb/hair combo,barrettes, small mirror. 2.Basket,bath puff,cute wash cloth,bath beads,bubble bath,lotion
Woman: Same bath type stuff
Boy:1.Dollar store fun;Container,puzzle,ball,book,toys. 2. Bath kit like the girls,boy themed.
Unisex:1. Container,A cute DVD(dollar store has some oldies but goodies and cartoons),Pop corn,candies,napkins,cups,soda(or the powered lemonade).
2.Stationary set: Journal,pens,pencils,cards,envelopes,erasers,note pad,container.

Thats a nice idea but I want to have nice hand made things, not dollar store items! I don't know too many kids either (i dont have kids).

[paigefiddler]

The wine charms are a great idea!

[ThriftyLiving4U]

Picture frames are always a good unisex present.  Embellish as you wish and you can either add a picture of the person and you OR a good quote that may "speak" to them.
I also like making tote bags from recycled whatever (grocery bags, t-shirts) and I usually have a few on hands for such occasions.

[BoxOfRocks]

Homemade soap and homemade canned foods (jams, jellies, etc.) could work, too.

[flygirl88]

I'm making stuffed owls for the little ones.  I'm a beginner with sewing, but even I had an easy time with this pattern:

http://ashbyfamilyblog.blogspot.ca/2010/02/easy-owl-pattern-and-tutorial-win-one.html

They came out great and it uses a lot of stuff you might already have around the house.  I spent about $8 on material and I've made three and have enough material for at least 3 more. 

[Yizzimindi]

Gals: Purses/bags, jewellery, recipes in a jar are really cool right now (google for inspiration and instructions), beach wraps.

Guys: wallets, knitted beard beanies are really fun, pj pants with a drawstring that makes them almost one size fits all

Generic: handmade notepads, a set of cards with different occaisons (so they have a go-to as well!), recipe books, mug cozies, coasters.

Family: Framed photo, exploding album (an example here: http://www.scrapbookeden.com/expoldingalbum.htm#) just keep the pages empty until you know the recipient!