Nancy Drew and the Case of the Christmas Creep

You know they're coming. The winter holidays. Whether you call it Christmas or Winter Solstice, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or something completely different, you and the fine folks on the Monty Python crew all celebrate or are at least touched by one of these festive occasions. And that means gifts. And gifts mean a last-minute scramble--despite the 12 months' advance notice you've had this year, and every year prior.

This phenomenon may always be an unsolved mystery, but the ghost of Christmas future doesn't have to haunt you. This year, I have vowed to do things differently! I've been busy creating a list of who gets what, as well as actually embarking on said projects. (Gasp!) I thought I'd share a list of ideas, in case you're trying to prevent your own holiday stresses. They're all fast, relatively painless, and useful for other (surprising) gifting occasions, such as birthdays.

The Piquant Picot's "Oh Shit, I Forgot" Guide to Stitchable Holiday Gifts

Knit or Crochet

• Drawsting Bags: To gamers, they're dice bags, but they have all kinds of great uses. To personalize the gift, you could present it with something inside, such as small candies, or, if you are a gamer (and can bear to part with them!) the coveted dice themselves. 
• Slippers: Soft, comfortable, and fairly quick, slippers make a gift that will be appreciated in cold winter weather!
• Spa Kit: This gift can include more or less stitching, depending on your time crunch. If you're short on time, whip up a washcloth or two, buy some soap or lotion and a candle, and you're done. If you can go at a more leisurely pace, you could make a loofah, an eye pillow, a shower mitt, pedicure booties--go wild!
• Phone Sleeve: Everyone's got to have their electronic accessories, and those accessories need accessories of their own! You could make a sleeve, pouch, or cover for a phone, mp3 player, eReader, iPad or tablet. 

Tatting

• Earrings: A pair of earrings is quick and fun. If your recipient doesn't have pierced ears, a pendant is a good alternative.
• Sachet: If you can do a little sewing, you can tat an edging or motif for a cloth sachet filled with any scent your recipient might enjoy.
• Luggage Tag Holder: For the wanderer in your life, why not tat a little something to mark their suitcases? Join a couple motifs together, slide a card inside, and create a tie with a series of split rings.
• Card: You can totally one-up Hallmark with a unique creation of your own. Tat your favorite motif and glue it to a card. If you want to get fancy, cut a "window" in the card and glue paper on the back to form a pocket, so that the lace can be removed and used as an ornament or bookmark after the card has been enjoyed.

How do you combat the Christmas Creep? Any ideas for great gifts? Please share in the comments!