Few things are as special as a gift that says "I made this just for you." Of course, you won't convey this feeling very well if you make Teddy Bear Tea Towels for every man, woman and child on your list. But with a little planning you can make even last-minute gifts that will be warmly received.

Gift Making Tips:

Do Your Homework
Before you make a gift for someone, find out how it will fit into his or her life. A set of blue place mats would be nice unless blue is the one color she doesn't like to decorate with. But if you find out that your brother-in-law likes to use the outdoor grill, he'll love the simple BBQ apron you make in his favorite team colors. Kids are even easier. They love anything with their name on it.

Pick Something Simple
Remember, the gift you make doesn't have to be ornate as long as it demonstrates that you know something about the person and that you made it by hand. You can find simple patterns for apparel, home dec, accessories, and other gifts online or at the fabric store. If you keep it simple, you actually have a chance of getting it done on time.

Think Personal Colors
If you're making home dec items, it's especially important that they fit in with the recipient's color scheme. Your best scenario is to visit her house. But you can also call a member of her household to give you the inside scoop. If you're making something for a guy, he'll most likely love anything in his school colors or the colors of his favorite pro team.

Make Some "Safe Bets"
Around the holidays you can't go wrong with things like tree ornaments, drawer sachets, or Christmas coasters. You can make a number of these sets and then just grab one and put it in a gift bag on your way out the door to a holiday party. Christmas hand towels and place mat sets don't have to fit in to a decorating scheme since they'll be used seasonally.

Gift Baskets
You can usually find inexpensive baskets at an import store. Finish a square of cloth for a liner and then fill it with goodies. If you're giving food, you should know if the person you'll be giving it to likes coffee or is allergic to nuts. If they have a hobby like crafting, beading, or quilting, you can fill it with notions. Or just put in some packages of their favorite tea with fancy English sugar lumps.

Kids
If you ask a kid what he wants for Christmas, he'll probably rattle of the name of some video game. But kids really love anything with their name on it. You can do a simple embroidery or applique on a shirt or hat. Or make a scarf or hat out of fleece and personalize it. Kids love to have their own blankets, which can be made quickly and easily.

Pets
What do you make for the person who has everything? Something for their pets. For cats and dogs it can be a simple blanket or soft toy.