Yes, I know it's only September, but I'm trying to plan early for Christmas this year. Hopefully by getting myself organised early enough I can hunt out bargains, and also have time to make gifts.
I am cross stitching bookmarks for my Grandad and my brother's girlfriend. They will be simple, with their names on and a motif of some kind. Maybe a tassel too if I can remember how to make them. DS14 has asked me to make a bookmark for him too, I am hoping to find a chart or kit for a dragon or something similar. If not I'll do his name too.
I'd like to knit a scarf for my Mum. This is one I have been considering
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel172064 [1]
-mainly because it has the word basic in the title 
I am a bit scared of Aran wool though - isn't it a bit thick and scratchy? Could I use doubleknit instead d'ya think?
This evening I have been very pleased with myself as I found two terrific gift ideas for DS....
I found fabulous printable stationery designs at
http://www.freeprintablestationery.net/ [2]
I've amended the designs to include our address at the top and printed out 10 sheets each of three different designs. I will buy a pack of 30 envelopes and a nice cardboard folder (which I may decorate) and voila! A writing set, very topical for us at the moment as DS is about to join www.ipfeurope.com [3]
I also found printable coupons for breakfast in bed, dog walking etc at
http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/blprintcoupons.htm [4]
I did a coupon book for DS a couple of years ago and he loved it. I made that one myself, just buying a small notebook and writing on each page. DS loved it, it was one of his favourite presents ever. I made ones for 'staying in pjs ALL DAY! and 'no chores' as well as 'an hour of Mum playing computer games with me' and 'fish and chips for dinner!' amongst others. The ones on the site are various colours and there is even a blank one to print out and customise yourself. I have printed out quite a few and will be making them into a little booklet.
My Christmas budget really is practically nonexistent this year, and it is surprising me how inventive I can be when I get down to it. Does anyone else have some frugal ideas for gifts?