Tick-tock, Clarice.

The holidays are sneaking up on me, and I don't just mean Halloween. No, unfortunately, I mean the ones with the gift-giving.

For people who shop, two months seems like a long time. For those of us who make gifts, it's cold sweat time.

I've been making my Christmas gifts for several years, at first for basic poverty reasons, but later because it was more satisfying. It's easy to find something perfect for that tough giftee if it comes straight from your brain. The mall has limited offerings, but my gifts are limited only by my time and materials. And, you know, gift-making is fun, and it prevents mall-based panic attacks. (Super bonus, right there.) Also, for all of my usual crushing failure, my gifts tend to turn out nicely -- which is a nice boost to the old self-esteem.

Along the way, I found that people really liked my gifts, despite my initial worries that people would think I was cheap. Most people are really touched that I've taken the time to do something personal, regardless of how fancy the actual item is.

But I have no idea what to make people this year. There are so many things I could make that I'm not sure what to do at all. And I'm running out of time.

I've given mostly knitted gifts the last few years, but I started knitting in the summer to finish them in time. This year I think I'd better rely on much faster crafting methods, so I'll probably sew most things. But that only narrows the options a little bit...hats? Flannel scarves? Bags? Cthulhu dolls?

Any suggestions? Help!