Unique Ideas for Personalized Gifts

Whether used for decorative purposes or to tote dishes, this versatile serving tray brings holiday cheer to any table. The design, created with a rubber stamp, repeats to cover the sides of the tray. Wooden balls elevate the server for an extra boost of style.

Plain ceramic mugs and plates become festive partygoers when embellished with any holiday-theme rubber stamp and nontoxic paint markers. The whimsical style of the tree is perfect for casual get togethers. Use the plate to hold wrapped goodies, or display it on a plate rack to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen.

Old wool sweaters make great gifts when felted and pieced into throws and pillows. We tossed $1 thrift-store sweaters into hot water to create densely matted stitches, then cut up the sweaters for a fresh spin on quilting.

Satisfy gourmet appetites by giving food fans a reusable serving piece, party provisions, and a food appropriate gadget. Boost Christmas character by painting the exterior of an unfinished wooden bowl red. Pour in a bag of mixed nuts. Perch a beribboned squirrel nutcracker among the shells and watch your chums get crackin'. For an old-world effect, substitute a soldierlike nutcracker for the squirrel.

Give a gardener a gift with growth potential. Make flowerpots and saucers look great with coats of glossy white paint. Use a foam brush to paint the pot and saucer rims red; add dots to the pot with the end of an artist's brush. Fill the container with potting soil and packets of herb seed. Flip the saucer atop the pot and tie together with a ribbon. Tuck a trowel and a rosemary sprig in the bow to remind your botany-minded buddy that spring is just around the corner!

Even if there isn't a new puppy under the tree this year, any dog owner will appreciate this practical present.

A varied supply of beautiful papers, note cards, and writing implements should help motivate a faraway friend or relative to keep in touch.

In Great-Grandmother's day, families kept track of births and deaths by recording them in the family Bible. These days, there's computer software to help you trace your lineage.

Few things warm the heart more on a cold winter evening than a roaring fire.

If the song your favorite handyperson most often sings is "If I Had a Hammer," answer the plea with a backup tool kit to store in the kitchen or den.

For the tiny tots on your list, make bath time a rub-a-dub good time with a net bag full of bubble bath, floating toys, a spout protector (shaped like a friendly animal), and children's soap in fun shapes.

For the true book lover, assemble a few treats to enhance his or her enjoyment of a favorite pastime.

Being stuck inside doesn't have to be bad, especially if it gives you an excuse to spend quality time together.

Give a relaxing night at the movies with all the comforts of home: package a tub of microwavable popcorn with a videotape of a favorite movie and perhaps a certificate for a movie rental.

If someone on your gift list is likely to make (again) that most common New Year's resolution, help him or her put a best foot forward with this "bouquet."