I'd love a non-store-bought gift. The more unique and 'from the heart' the gift, the better IMO. For me, I'd love a scarf or cute hand-bag. For my son, a cape with matching mask or pretend belt would be awesome (my son is totally into superheros at age 3.5. He also wants a cape for his stuffed animal). I like quilts, but I have TOO many blankets. And I wish that I was asked to pick out colors for those really nice quilts that are expected to be laid on the beds. I mean, they need to match the decor or I at least need to LIKE the colors.
I am not a seamstress, but have a sewing machine that my MIL is enouraging me to try. Two things I've made for the kids that were pretty cool: 1 was a 'back seat organizer' I hang from the front seat to hold my son's toys and snacks and books within his reach in the backseat. Very cute, but it took me a while. I found it at a fabric store. It was a package I bought with the tissue paper and and instructions inside. 2. I also made some 'crayon rolls'. Search on the internet for lots of different pictures and instructions. Very cute and very handy for mom to keep in her purse for lunches or whenever she needs to keep the kids busy. FOr someone who loves to sew, you could probably make a few each day. Take note - the background fabric (inside the roll) will get crayon on it, so I recommend a darker color. PM me if you want me to email you pictures, or post them on my profile for a day when you're online. I have both the crayon roll and the organizer. I also made a long 'colored pencil' roll for my neice.
Added: TB brought up a good point. My mom made me a scarf too. I only wear it b/c she gave it to me. I like that it's soft. I like the length, the width, that it was made by her. I like that it's purple too, but it's too bright of a purple. I'm sure Mom was thinking "jess likes purple" but I'd have liked it moreif she'd done a a earthy tone deep purple and gray kind of color blend. Plus, we're in Texas so I only use it for about one month. Mom made my SIL one and my neice spilled one day saying "I think Mom gave it to Goodwill." OOPS!